Cycladia | Island Events

On Sikinos and Folegandros every summer is held the open air "Documentary Days" mobile film festival.
Also, every summer the "Sikinos Festivities" are held with exhibitions, music concerts, and performances.

Four copies of the holy icon of Panagia Pantanassa, the Holy Cross, The Zoodochos Pegi and Isodia are hosted in houses for one year while the hosts, the “panigirades” meaning the people who create the “feast” (panigiri), are obliged to keep the fire burning day and night in the holy candle. They should also pray to her grace Holy Mary at least 3 times within this year.

When the day of the celebration of Holy Mayr is approaching, they start painting the church in fresh white paint, will create candles for the feast, make bread traditionally and organize the entire feast! It is their obligation and honour till the day of the celebration when they pass the holy icons to their successors, the next “panigirades”.

All religious feasts and celebrations share common activities but they are not always the same as each one of them boasts its own customs and tradition. Generally the locals are gathered to attend the church service and then they celebrate with food, drink, music and dance. Of course, visitors all always welcome to participate and have fun!

Some of the most important religious feasts are:
• The celebration of Virgin Mary on the 15th of August
• The Holy Cross on the 14th of September
• The celebration of Agioi Anargyroi on the 1st of July
• The celebration of Agios Panteleimonas on the 27th of July
• The Metamorphosis of Jesus on the 6th of August
• The birth of Virgin Mary on the 9th of September