A ceaseless chronicle of joy
On Paros, each season offers cause for celebration, from mid-August through Epiphany, and from the Klidonas fire to the autumn panigyria (feasts). In every church courtyard, by the glow of candlelight, Parians revive timeless customs where the land, the sea, and the festivities merge into a single experience.
The summer season kicks off spectacularly with the Klidonas Festival (23rd June) in Alyki, Naousa, and Prodromos. Bonfires blaze upon the sand, May Day wreaths are consumed by flames, and young people leap over them, seeking good fortune. The morrow marks the feast day of Saint Athanasios of Paros in the village of Kostos.
On 30 June, the monastery of Agioi Anargyroi near Parikia celebrates its annual feast, whilst every first Sunday of July, Naousa hosts the Fish and Wine Festival.
In July, the revelry ascends to the highlands: Agia Marina in Kostos (16–17 July), Agia Anna in Parikia (24 July), Agia Paraskevi in Lefkes (26 July). On August 6, the festivities of the Saviour are celebrated in Alyki and Marpissa, while on August 15, the Panagia Ekatontapyliani follows with a grand ceremony: throngs of the faithful, a procession of the icon, illuminated boats, and fireworks.
Shortly thereafter, on August 23, Naousa re-enacts the Barbarossa raid at the Pirates' Festival, complete with boats, dancing, and theatrical performances.
August and September host the feasts of Saint Fanourios (27 August) and Saint John of Detis (28–29 August) at the Paros Environmental & Cultural Park, the Virgin Mary Faneromeni (8 September) in Marmara, and the Holy Cross (14 September) in Angairia.
During winter, the Epiphany celebrations (6 January) stand out, when young men dive into the waters of Parikia and Naousa, followed by Carnival, which fills the squares with costumed revellers and song.
In springtime, the Passion Play in Marpissa captivates audiences, whilst grand celebrations honour Saint George and Saint John the Theologian in the villages of Angairia and Dryos.
The summer season kicks off spectacularly with the Klidonas Festival (23rd June) in Alyki, Naousa, and Prodromos. Bonfires blaze upon the sand, May Day wreaths are consumed by flames, and young people leap over them, seeking good fortune. The morrow marks the feast day of Saint Athanasios of Paros in the village of Kostos.
On 30 June, the monastery of Agioi Anargyroi near Parikia celebrates its annual feast, whilst every first Sunday of July, Naousa hosts the Fish and Wine Festival.
In July, the revelry ascends to the highlands: Agia Marina in Kostos (16–17 July), Agia Anna in Parikia (24 July), Agia Paraskevi in Lefkes (26 July). On August 6, the festivities of the Saviour are celebrated in Alyki and Marpissa, while on August 15, the Panagia Ekatontapyliani follows with a grand ceremony: throngs of the faithful, a procession of the icon, illuminated boats, and fireworks.
Shortly thereafter, on August 23, Naousa re-enacts the Barbarossa raid at the Pirates' Festival, complete with boats, dancing, and theatrical performances.
August and September host the feasts of Saint Fanourios (27 August) and Saint John of Detis (28–29 August) at the Paros Environmental & Cultural Park, the Virgin Mary Faneromeni (8 September) in Marmara, and the Holy Cross (14 September) in Angairia.
During winter, the Epiphany celebrations (6 January) stand out, when young men dive into the waters of Parikia and Naousa, followed by Carnival, which fills the squares with costumed revellers and song.
In springtime, the Passion Play in Marpissa captivates audiences, whilst grand celebrations honour Saint George and Saint John the Theologian in the villages of Angairia and Dryos.
