Colors of Andros Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Andros is the second-largest island in the Cycladic Archipelago. Most tourists come here in the summer months. Various festivals and celebrations are held here at this time. In addition, the weather is conducive to a beach holiday in the summer season. This is what the island is so famous for. The island is quite popular with tourists. However, it has retained its identity. This is an authentic Greece with white houses, a slow pace of life, and a good-natured attitude to guests.

The Greeks are very positive and sociable people. You will see groups of elderly Greeks who are discussing something enthusiastically, playing cards and drinking ouzo in the evening hours in any tavern on the island. The family plays an extremely important role for the Greeks. Continuity of generations and reverent attitude to traditions and culture exist here. For example, several generations of Greeks gather at the table in the same taverns. Collective singing of national songs will be the most common phenomenon here. Absolutely everyone is singing – old people, children, and even those who sit at neighboring tables.

You should not be surprised if you hear two Greeks loudly, almost shouting at each other, argue about something and at the same time furiously gesticulating. This is normal for the emotional residents of Greece. Siesta is a tradition that is observed by all residents. The streets are empty during daylight hours. It's really very hot on Andros in the summer. Therefore, this custom has been sacredly honored for centuries. Some lack of attention is also affecting the service. You should remember that the Greeks are not very mandatory. Punctuality is rare here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you get to any feast on the island, whether religious or national, you will probably see many residents of Andros in national clothes. Patriotism and devotion to traditions is a characteristic national trait. The locals are proud of their origin. They honor the memory of their seafaring ancestors. National songs and dances are almost always given a place of honor in festive events.

Major religious holidays are celebrated here. These are Easter and Christmas. In addition, each village has its own patronal feast in honor of the patron Saint. The Main Square or churchyard usually becomes the center of celebrations. Festivals in honor of holidays are called panegyris. Dances and musical performances are traditionally organized these days. Local residents also set tables and local housewives cook the best dishes. Of course, everyone drinks tsipouro or ouzo. Fairs are held in larger towns. You can buy products from local farms and artisan products there.

The holiday in honor of the myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God is celebrated on July 2. It is kept in the St. Nicholas Monastery. Hundreds of pilgrims from all over Greece and other countries come to the monastery on this day. A bright carnival with dancing, fancy dress, and fireworks takes place in Gavrio on Shrovetide Saturday. The procession of chariots is a particularly spectacular event. The patronal feast is celebrated on October 2 in Kypri. The residents of the village gather together and organize an indispensable feast.

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated very beautifully in Gavrio on December 6. Students of local schools organize a torchlight procession along the main street. The main holiday is held in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15 in Ammolochos. It is customary to visit each other and cook festive treats on this day. First of all, these are sweets. Dances to national music are arranged in the evening. The feast in honor of the Holy Theotokos Mother of God is the largest. The grand procession is held during its celebration. It takes place 16 days before Easter. It doesn't have an exact date.

The International Andros Festival is a major event. It is held from July 29 to August 25. This is a fairly new event. Numerous film screenings, theater productions, and musical performances are held in its framework on Andros. The open-air theater is the central venue of the festival. Teams from all over the world take part in this event.

Gavrio again becomes the center of cultural life in early August. A number of events under the General name "Gavriotika" are held here. An exhibition of local artists and sculptors is organized and both serious and comic sports competitions are held. A noisy celebration with music, dancing, and food is arranged on the fifth day. Kakavia is a traditional festive dish of the festival. This is a special fish soup. Of course, there are local wine and ouzo at the celebration.

The new festival "Andros on His Feet" appeared on the island recently. It takes place in October. The festival attracts many hikers from all over Greece and visitors from other countries. Not only orienteering competitions and hikes and thematic lectures but also various musical and cultural events are organized during the festival. You can participate in a variety of activities and games for guests.