On the first Sunday after the 15th of August, the whole island of Amorgos smells like pastels, it’s the Pasteli festival! In Loza square in Chora (the principal village) of Amorgos a big cauldron is set up and the process of cooking pastel begins. All the cooking steps are presented in detail and the spectators get to learn all the secrets! The Amorgian pasteli, made in front of everyone’s eyes, is then distributed on a lemon leaf, as required by the Amorgian tradition. While rinking Psimeni Raki and listening to the musical instruments, the festival lasts until the early morning hours.

(photo credits: katiousa.gr)