The Tsakonian Easter

Leonidio

The Easter celebration in Leonidio is a unique experience. All the parishes compete each-other every year for the most beautiful Epitaph, whose procession is met in the town’s center, where they chant all together with a common Prayer. The celebration’s peaks in Leonidio is on the night of Resurrection, when the construction and the elevation of colorful hot-air balloons takes place, lightening gratefully the Tsakonian sky, a uniquely spectacular custom.

Tyros

The Easter traditions and the unique way of celebrating Easter, pose great interest for the visitors of N. Kynouria. At Tyros the procession of the bier of Christ takes place along the beach accompanied by fishing boats. On the night of Holy Saturday, thousands of candles are placed on the sea which light up the bay and symbolize the lost souls of the Tsakonian sailors and fishermen. Also, the Tsakonians have the tradition of burning Judas in the sea on a special raft. At Leonidio and Tyros on the evening of Easter Sunday, during the ritual of love as it is called, the Bible is read in the Tsakonian dialect.

Photos Credits: Tranas Konstantinos – leonidion.gr & visitkynouria.gr archives