Santorini may not be famous for its festivals but the festival of Agia Matrona makes it white-faced! Even more so because it is not even during the summer season that the island is full of life. Thus, the festival of Agia Matrona that takes place on October 20 in Finikia is an important event for the locals. The church is decorated with vagia, while in many alleys and squares around it are placed festive colored flags. On the day of the feast the streets are paved with aromatic plants such as rosemary and juniper and the next day follows the procession of the image in them. On October 20, in the Holy Temple of Agia Matrona, built in 1859, people gather for vespers. In the courtyard of the Temple is the trademark of the village, the large palm tree. In the meantime, The locals have taken care to prepare a traditional “relaxed” salted cod, with onion and boiled potatoes, wedding pilaf and meat cooked in cauldrons or wood oven. After the end of the service, the big meal starts, with the local delicacies and the famous Santorini wines. The island party continues with music by an orchestra and the locals dancing for hours.

(photo credits: atlantea.news)