April 23rd .
In addition, it extends over three days and nights, and in case of falling within the Lent, it is postponed to the Tuesday after Easter. Regarding the war subject, during this celebration the streets Arachova get covered on Greek flags, a use that is always held on national holidays, while the houses are cleaned and polished in order to stand out their white-washed facades.
The celebration is announced by trumpets and a cannon shot, and after the Vespers, the famous procession of the silver icon of Agios Georgios takes place. This procession defines the limits of the area that is supposedly protected by the saint.
This procedure has been influenced by paganism, as some icons are decorated with grains, and the priests bless the fertility of the earth. |
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The race is a representation of the chase to the Ottomans, and the first to arrive gets a lamb brought from Parnassus by the local shepherds. Meanwhile, outside the church the festival is held by the rest of the people.
There are athletic competitions, like jump-races on the second day, as well as wrestling matches, and a traditional stone throwing game on the third day, apart from weight lifting.
These activities display an influence from the antique times. He know from the epics of Homer that the Athletic games along with the banquets, dances and songs, raised the spirit of the people after the struggles and deprivations gone through during the battles of war.
As it was mentioned, the festival of Agios Georgios is known as ‘Panigyraki’, and this is due to an exclusive dance of Arachova called that way. |
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A final tradition observed on this festival is the cutting of the water. According to the legend, Agios Georgios killed the dragon that threatened the water sources of the town, after which it could run free.
In remembrance of this fact, people turn the cistern off during the festival, and when the ‘Panigyraki’ song is heard, they let it flow again.
Over the three days of the main festival on Arachova, several traditions are observed and different facts are remembranced. In case of visiting this town on April 23rd, you cannot miss this unique experience, plenty of fun and amuse.
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