This is one of the most important national and religious holidays in the Greek Orthodox Calendar. It
is known as the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - the “falling asleep” of Panagia, the Virgin
Mary and the Assumption of her body into heaven. According to the Holy Scriptures, Christ was dying
on the cross and saw His Mother and His disciple John. He said, “Woman, behold your son,” pointing
to John. From that moment Apostle John took care of Panagia at his home in Jerusalem. All of the
Apostles except Apostle Thomas were at Panagia’s bedside when she “fell asleep” and the Lord Jesus
Christ came down and carried her soul to heaven.
The most important festivities are held in Neapoli. The celebrations attract Cretan musicians and
thousands of visitors every year. The celebrations are dedicated to the Cathedral of the Assumption
(Megali Panagia) in Neapoli. On August 14th celebrations begin in the late afternoon with the cycle
race from Neapoli square through several villages, including Vrysses, Limnes and finishing at the
square in Neapoli. After the cyclist have left, the annual long distance run takes place, again finishing
in Neapoli. When the evening church service ends, young, fit men run up the mountain side
(incredibly steep) to the cross at the very top and back again to finish in the square. There is a small
market off the square selling toys, icons and clothing etc. Meanwhile the square has been filled with
tables and chairs and the party begins with lots of traditional singing, dancing and live music. The
party goes on well into the very small hours finishing at around 3-4 a.m.
On August 15th there is a lengthy church service, which ends around 10.30 a.m. followed by the
procession through the town of the religious icon of the Virgin Mary. This is accompanied by all the
priests, town dignitaries and the Neapoli Town Band. Time to take a seat in one of the cafes and enjoy
the atmosphere over drink. In the afternoon all the tables and chairs appear again and at around
21. 00 p.m. thousand of of visitors descend once again on the town to party into the early hours.
Remember: DON’T DRINK RAKI AND DRIVE
Big thank you to the Neapoli Crete Appreciation
Society for these two videos from 2022
….check out their Face Book Page
This is one of the most important national and religious holidays in
the Greek Orthodox Calendar. It is known as the Feast of the
Dormition of the Theotokos - the “falling asleep” of Panagia, the
Virgin Mary and the Assumption of her body into heaven.
According to the Holy Scriptures, Christ was dying on the cross and
saw His Mother and His disciple John. He said, “Woman, behold
your son,” pointing to John. From that moment Apostle John took
care of Panagia at his home in Jerusalem. All of the Apostles
except Apostle Thomas were at Panagia’s bedside when she “fell
asleep” and the Lord Jesus Christ came down and carried her soul
to heaven.
The most important festivities are held in Neapoli. The
celebrations attract Cretan musicians and thousands of visitors
every year. The celebrations are dedicated to the Cathedral of the
Assumption (Megali Panagia) in Neapoli. On August 14th
celebrations begin in the late afternoon with the cycle race from
Neapoli square through several villages, including Vrysses, Limnes
and finishing at the square in Neapoli. After the cyclist have left,
the annual long distance run takes place, again finishing in
Neapoli. When the evening church service ends, young, fit men
run up the mountain side (incredibly steep) to the cross at the very
top and back again to finish in the square. There is a small market
off the square selling toys, icons and clothing etc. Meanwhile the
square has been filled with tables and chairs and the party begins
with lots of traditional singing, dancing and live music. The party
goes on well into the very small hours finishing at around 3-4 a.m.
On August 15th there is a lengthy church service, which ends
around 10.30 a.m. followed by the procession through the town of
the religious icon of the Virgin Mary. This is accompanied by all the
priests, town dignitaries and the Neapoli Town Band. Time to take
a seat in one of the cafes and enjoy the atmosphere over drink. In
the afternoon all the tables and chairs appear again and at around
9. 00 p.m. thousand os of visitors descend once on the town to
party well into the early hours.
Remember: DON’T DRINK RAKI AND DRIVE
Big thank you to the
Neapoli Crete
Appreciation
Society for these two
videos from 2022….check
out their Face Book Page
August 15th Neapoli
