|
On the island of Zakynthos, Easter is not just a celebration — it is a profound experience full of light, faith and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Among the most special Easter customs of our land, Eftazyma stands out: a humble but symbolic sweet bread that carries within it history, effort and love. Zakynthos: The Easter Tradition in Every Home. What are Eftazyma? Eftazyma are traditional sweet breads or cookies, made with simple, pure ingredients such as flour, olive oil, honey or sugar and sesame seeds. What makes them unique is not only their taste, but mainly the way they are prepared. Their particularity lies in the use of chickpea yeast — a natural yeast from chickpeas — and in the process of repeated kneading. The Secret of the Name The name “Eftazyma” comes from the word “seven” and “kneading”. The dough is worked and left to rise seven times. The number seven has special significance in the Orthodox tradition: it symbolizes perfection and completeness it is associated with Creation it expresses the spiritual preparation before the Resurrection Thus, each stage of the process acquires an almost ritualistic character. The Relationship with Easter  Eftazyma are mainly prepared during Holy Week and are an integral part of Easter preparation. Together with the Holy Light and the candle, they are found in every home:
Traditional Eftazyma Recipe Ingredients For the chickpea yeast: 1 cup chickpeas 2 cups lukewarm water 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons flour For the dough: 1 kilo flour 1 cup olive oil 1 cup sugar or honey 1 teaspoon salt (optional) cinnamon and cloves sesame seeds for sprinkling Preparation 1. Preparation of yeast (24 hours in advance): Lightly crush the chickpeas and mix them with the water, sugar and flour. Leave the mixture in a warm place until it foams. 2. Kneading: Strain the yeast and use the liquid. Mix all the ingredients and knead well. 3. The traditional “seven times”: Let the dough rise and repeat the kneading and resting process a total of seven times. 4. Molding & baking: Shape into small loaves, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes. More than a Recipe Eftazyma is not just an Easter dish. It is:
As the Holy Light illuminates our homes and the candles are lit, Eftazyma reminds us that the essence of Easter lies in the simple things: in faith, in family and in the love we share. Happy Resurrection and Happy Easter! ✨ photo sources:- Facebook public posts, credit goes to their original owner. Dionysios Flemotomos and Soula
0 Comments
 Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, is the most important time in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Our island celebrates it with unique and unforgettable traditions, drawing both locals and visitors from around the world. Holy Week Has Begun – But the Main Celebrations Start Tomorrow! While services and prayers have already started, the highlight of the week begins tomorrow. The events here are unlike anywhere else in Greece – vibrant, deeply spiritual, and full of centuries-old customs that you won’t want to miss. Good Friday – Mourning the Crucifixion On Good Friday, the faithful attend the Service of the Great Hours in the morning, followed by Vespers of the Deposition from the Cross. At 2 p.m., the Crucified Christ is carried in a solemn procession through the streets, adorned with flowers. This moving ritual, accompanied by hymns and bell tolls, invites visitors to reflect and witness the island’s devotion.  Holy Saturday – Lamentations and Anticipation The night of Holy Saturday is truly magical. At around 2 a.m., Matins are held with the chanting of the Lamentations at the Tomb. Early in the morning, the Epitaphios (Funeral Shroud) procession takes place, followed by Vespers and the First Resurrection Service. Late at night, a spectacular procession to Saint Mark’s Square marks the beginning of the joyous celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
Easter Sunday – The Joy of the Resurrection The highlight of the year is Easter Sunday, beginning at midnight with the Resurrection Service. Witness the lighting of the Holy Flame, join in joyful hymns, and experience the true spirit of Easter celebrated in a way that’s completely unique to our island. Easter Monday – Continuing the Celebration Easter Monday is more relaxed, with Divine Liturgy at local churches such as the Church of Saint George the Latin, family gatherings, and shared meals. Visitors are welcome to join in the festive spirit. Why Visitors Love It From solemn processions to joyous celebrations, Holy Week here offers a one-of-a-kind cultural and spiritual experience. Whether you participate in the services, watch the processions, or simply soak in the atmosphere, these events are unforgettable. ✨ Don’t miss the main celebrations starting tomorrow – an experience of devotion, tradition, and joy you can only find on our island!  A young student from Shropshire, has received a 2026 Outstanding Young Citizen Award for his tireless support for Healing Paws Animal Rescue, based on Zakynthos.
The award was presented to Telford College Student, Mitchell Knight this week, by Shropshire’s High Sheriff. Mitchell has dedicated around ten years, visiting Zakynthos, and supporting the animal welfare charity, that his aunt first introduced him to back in 2016, whilst on holiday. Mitchell’s family first discovered Healing Paws Animal Rescue after his aunt found a stray dog, and insisted on finding it a home, and they visited Healing Paws Animal Rescue after seeing information about the Animal Rescue charity. During his ten years of supporting Healing Paws Animal Rescue, Mitchell has visited once a year, not only working at the shelter, but his family has assisted with bringing 16 dogs, for rehoming, back to the UK. He’s even done a skydive to raise £700 for the charity! He said: "We will either help in their shelters, cleaning up or building new ones and taking food, treats and toys over." Mitchell told the BBC, "It's probably the best thing I've done so far." Congratulations to Mitchell from all of us at Zakynthos Informer! SOURCE, including photo: BBC News, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly0x1x8drzo  In the lead up to the new 2026 tourist season, Zakynthos is awaiting an update about the tender for the proposed Navagio “Shipwreck” Rescue Project. This project would include extending the beach and maintaining the ship Panagiotis. This project has been suggested to ensure the safety of anyone accessing the beach and again shipwreck. A statement from the Mayor Georgios Stasinopoulos, stated: “From the communication we have with the HRADF, because we had visited the previous period with the Member of Parliament, the tender will be ready in the next period, so that the contractor can be found and the procedures can begin. It is approximately 8.5 million euros and concerns both the marine area and the area where the ship is located,” He went on to say: “Tourist access will be very safe [and] regarding road safety at the upper access point, the study is ready and has been submitted to the Region. It has been sent to the Forestry Office to give its opinion on the permit and we are waiting for the approvals in the near future so that they can proceed with the process and we can have the contractor to begin road safety access to the viewing point.” Mayor Stasinopoulos, explained that work has already been done in the previous year by the Navagio viewpoint, including an effort to make sure that visitors are safe on the cliffs. “What has been done is very important, but also with the completion of the other projects that we will do, such as the widening of the road, the asphalting, the barriers that will be installed, the spaces for cars and buses to turn, certainly, the access of tourists will be at a very good level of security. This is our goal.”  Mayor Stasinopoulos, responded to the news about a ticket price that may now be put in place to access the viewpoint, saying: “A small fee would constitute a significant “economic breather” for the island. We are waiting for the decision on the beach zone in which the area will be delimited and we will be able to secure and place toilets and everything else that is necessary for tourists and logically there will be a controlled entrance. There will be a small fee, but the amount has not been determined yet. It will be determined following specific studies that will be carried out. It will be a serious economic boost for the entire island. However, the other work must be completed first, the road safety and the demarcation of the beach zone that we are expecting. This way we will secure the entire specific area and create conditions suitable for the safety of tourists. This way, a normal price can be included so that we can carry out projects on the island",
We'll keep an eye on the advancement of this project, any potential changes and possible ticket prices and update you when we get them. Source: Local Greek press  Cyprus on Edge: How a Regional War Is Reaching the Island
Cyprus is not at war. Yet in recent days, the island has found itself uncomfortably close to the front lines of a rapidly escalating regional conflict. The tension follows a reported drone strike targeting facilities at RAF Akrotiri, part of the British Sovereign Base Areas on the southern coast of the island. RAF Akrotiri is one of two military areas the United Kingdom retains on Cypriot soil under long-standing agreements. While no casualties were reported, the incident marked a significant moment: a direct strike on Western military infrastructure located in Cyprus. The event has intensified concerns that the widening confrontation between Iran and a coalition that includes the United States and Israel could spill further into the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus: Not a Combatant, But Not Untouched The government of the Cyprus has moved quickly to clarify its position. Officials stress that the Republic is not participating in military operations and has not engaged in hostilities against any state. Nicosia describes the situation as a defensive security challenge rather than an act of war involving Cyprus itself. However, geography and geopolitics complicate that distinction. Cyprus lies at a strategic crossroads between Europe and the Middle East. The British bases — including Akrotiri — have long served as logistical and operational hubs for missions in the region. That strategic value now appears to carry heightened risk. Military Reinforcement and Regional Signaling Following the reported drone activity, the United Kingdom strengthened defensive measures around its bases, deploying additional air defense assets and naval support to the region. These steps were described as precautionary, aimed at protecting personnel and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Greece has also increased its defensive posture in coordination with Cyprus, reinforcing its broader security partnership with the island. Other European partners are closely monitoring developments, as instability in the Eastern Mediterranean has direct implications for European security and energy routes. The presence of foreign military forces on Cypriot territory has once again become a subject of domestic debate. Some political voices argue that the island’s association with Western military operations makes it vulnerable to retaliatory action. Others maintain that strategic alliances provide essential deterrence in an increasingly unstable region. Public Anxiety and Political Debate For residents living near the British bases, the tension is not abstract. Reports of drone activity and air defense responses have fueled concern, particularly in communities close to Akrotiri. Temporary security measures and heightened military visibility have made the broader geopolitical crisis feel immediate and personal. At the political level, Cyprus faces a delicate balancing act. The country is a member of the European Union but maintains a long-standing policy of avoiding direct entanglement in military conflicts. Preserving that stance while hosting foreign sovereign military facilities presents a diplomatic and security challenge. A Wider Conflict Casting a Long Shadow The current crisis underscores a broader reality: even states not formally involved in a conflict can feel its impact when strategic infrastructure is located on their territory. Cyprus is not firing missiles, nor has it declared hostilities. Yet its strategic geography and its alliances position it within the operational radius of a conflict unfolding hundreds of kilometers away. For now, officials in Nicosia continue to emphasize de-escalation and defensive preparedness. Whether the island remains on the periphery of the confrontation — or becomes more directly entangled — will depend largely on how the wider regional standoff evolves in the coming weeks. What is clear is that Cyprus, long valued for its stability in a turbulent neighborhood, is once again navigating the pressures of geography in a time of war.  photos from Πολεμική Αεροπορία - HAFspokesman Each spring, Greece becomes the center of one of Europe’s most demanding multinational air exercises. Iniochos 2026 once again demonstrates the country’s growing strategic role in regional security, bringing together advanced aircraft, complex operational scenarios, and international cooperation under one demanding training framework. Hosted by the Hellenic Air Force and centered at Andravida Air Base, the exercise has evolved into a high-intensity training event designed to simulate the modern battlefield. What began years ago as a national drill has matured into a sophisticated multinational exercise, drawing participants and observers from across Europe and beyond.  photos from Πολεμική Αεροπορία - HAFspokesman A Complex, Multi-Domain Exercise. Iniochos 2026 is structured in three phases: preparation, execution, and redeployment. During the main operational period, participating units conduct daily Composite Air Operations (COMAO), integrating fighter aircraft, surveillance platforms, helicopters, naval units, and ground forces into realistic combat scenarios. The Hellenic Air Force fields its most advanced assets, including the Dassault Rafale and upgraded F-16 Viper fighters. These aircraft operate in demanding mission sets that include air superiority, strike coordination, suppression of enemy air defenses, and close air support. Crucially, the exercise is not confined to the air domain. Elements of the Hellenic Army and Hellenic Navy contribute to joint scenarios, reflecting the modern requirement for seamless coordination across services. For more information, times and schedules click on the link below. www.haf.gr/en/news/haf-news/  Updated 10/02/26.. Due to the sudden death of Vice Mayor, Panagiotis Koklas all events up until the 14th of February are Cancelled. The programme below has been updated to provide precise information. Events have already started as Zakynthos sheds its quiet island pace and transforms into a vibrant stage of music, colour, and celebration. Carnival 2026 promises weeks of joy, tradition, and playful spectacle — blending Venetian elegance, local folklore, satire, and family-friendly fun. Running from late January through Clean Monday (23 February 2026), Carnival is one of the most exciting times to experience Zakynthos. Locals and visitors alike are invited to take part in parades, masquerade balls, treasure hunts, children’s festivities, live music, and unforgettable traditional feasts. official programme of events for Zakynthos Carnival 2026. (updated)  THURSDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (TSIKNOPEMPTI – “BBQ Thursday”) The whole island grills from the morning!!! Grilling festivities in the neighborhoods of the town. 11:00 a.m. Town criers in the streets of the city. From Agios Lazaros to Agios Markos Square, announcing the opening of Carnival 2026. (Coordinator of the Town Criers: Alexandra Komioti) 12:00 p.m. The Amateur Theatre Group of Agios Kyrikos “O Martelaos”, together with the local community, invite you to a Tsiknopempti celebration at Angeriko Square, with plenty of wine, dancing, and singing. Carnival Dance “Piccolo Party” at the Athrio Resto Bar entertainment venue in Alykanas, organized by Fiesta Crew Vip together with the Parents’ Associations of kindergartens and primary schools of Katastari, Gerakaria, and Riza 3. 6:30 p.m. – ARCH OF AGIOS LAZAROS THE CARNIVAL ENTERS THE CITY Town criers, the Zakynthos Municipal Philharmonic, the Machairado Municipal Philharmonic, and the Zakynthos Acrobatic & Artistic Gymnastics Club “Olympiada” will escort the float of King Carnival and the Carnival Masquerade themed “The Great Circus”, heading to Agios Markos Square, accompanied by the Carnival Committee. The Mayor will officially declare the opening of Carnival 2026. (No fireworks display) Live carnival music will follow by WHITE MUSES by Elena Liri. (Event Coordinators: Eleni Vlassopoulou, Vicky Vitsou – Artistic Float Design: Giannis Milesis) 7:00 p.m. Tsiknopempti celebration in Exochora. The Cultural Association “O Platanos” organizes a grilling celebration in the village square. 7:30 p.m. The Cultural Association of Kato Gerakari “Evangelistria” invites everyone to grill and celebrate at its venue. 8:30 p.m. The Zakynthos Art Workshop organizes an open-air celebration with traditional and carnival dances and songs, free for all lovers of tradition, in front of ARTOS & YGEIA, at the intersection of Alexandrou Roma (Rouga Square) and Dionysiou Stefanou Street.  Masquerade Balls, Theatre & Venetian Traditions13 – 15 February
The Amateur Theatre Group of Agios Kyrikos Zakynthos “O Martelaos” invites you to Popolaros Center in Ampelokipi. Costumes optional – everyone welcome. 8:30 p.m. Carnival Dance organized by the Lithakia Cultural Association at “Panos” venue in Laganas. 9:00 p.m. BALL MASKE at the Zakynthos Cultural Center, Solomos Square. Organized by the Municipal Employees’ Association (old Zakynthian tradition).  SATURDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 20263:00 p.m. Angeliki Kolyva Cultural Center, Skoulikado. The Folk Theatre Group of the Cultural Association “Erotokritos” presents the traditional satire “Saint Gryfonas’ Underpants” by Antonis Korfias (Skarpas). (In case of bad weather, the performance will take place indoors.) 7:00 p.m. Zakynthos Municipal Theatre – Concert by the Piraeus Music School, featuring: • Wind Ensemble • Smyrna Ensemble • Cosmos Band Carnival Dance at Zante Village, Alykanas, in cooperation with the Cultural Associations of Pounentezoi, Maries, and Exochora (O Platanos). Agios Markos Square – Carnival Dance of “Fiore di Levante” at Zakynthos Club. *Please note that the Passeggiata Veneziana, has been moved to Thursday 19th February  SUNDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2026 (CARNIVAL SUNDAY) 3:00 p.m. – PICCOLO CARNIVAL • Parade starting from Agios Lazaros, with children parading through the town with imagination and joy. • Gymnastics performance by Olympiada Zakynthos at Agios Markos Square. • Latin, Commercial & Zumba dances by One More Dance by Korina Visvardi. • Cheerleading performance by Asteria Zakynthou. • Followed by A.C.T Carnival Party by A.C.T San Paramithi at Solomos Square. 4:30 p.m. Children’s Carnival Party at the Lithakia Cultural Association (old Primary School), organized by the Lithakia Cultural Association. MONDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2026 4:00–7:00 p.m. – CARNIVAL TOWN Zakynthos Cultural Center, Solomos Square. A magical carnival experience full of joy, music, dancing, and sparkle. Wear your costume and live the magic! TUESDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2026 5:00–8:00 p.m. – CARNIVAL TOWN OPENING Agioi Saranta Square. Ride the Carnival Train of Joy along Alexandrou Roma Street. Each stop offers a unique experience. (In case of rain, the event will take place at the Cultural Center. WEDNESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2026 4:00–7:00 p.m. – CARNIVAL TOWN CLOSING Zakynthos Cultural Center, Solomos Square. Mask-making workshop, music, magic, and a final party to the skies. Artistic supervision: Athina Lykouresi. THURSDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2026 8.00p.m Passeggiata Veneziana. You will have the opportunity to take photos of the Venetian Costumes as the team parade through the town in true Venetian style.. The team will start from Agios Sarantes in Zakynthos town and make their way to St. Marcos Square. 9:00 p.m. Carnival Dance at the Zakynthos Cultural Center, organized by the Zakynthos Municipal Philharmonic (Machairado). FRIDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2026 6:00 p.m. Carnival procession by the Sarakinado Cultural Association, with traditional music, dances, ribbons, and satire, from Agioi Saranta Square to Agios Markos Square. 7:30 p.m. Zakynthian Traditional Feast with violin and guitar at Agios Markos Square. 9:00 p.m. Carnival Dance at the Angeliki Kolyva Cultural Center, Skoulikado. 10:00 p.m. Traditional Carnival Festa at Zakynthos Club, Agios Markos Square.  SATURDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2026 12.00 noon.... Passeggiata Veneziana. You will have the opportunity to take photos of the Venetian Costumes as the team walk through the town. The team will start from the Regional Offices located in Zakynthos town and make their way to Solomos Square. 3:00 p.m. Lithakia Cultural Center – Folk Theatre performance “Ta Sympetheria” by Pavlina Riganelli. 7:00 p.m. Venetian Wedding – 16th Century Zakynthos at the Municipal Theatre. A historic reenactment with costumes, music, and traditions, inspired by Antonis Milanos. 9:30 p.m. Evening Carnival Parade “Red Night”, from Agioi Saranta Square to Agios Markos Square. Face painting from 8:30 p.m. for participants. Followed by a Municipal Concert at Agios Markos Square.  SUNDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2026 3:00 p.m. – THE GRAND PARADE Featuring Count Carnival and all carnival groups, from Agios Lazaros Arch to Solomos Square. 7:30 p.m. – POVERO CARNIVAL The symbolic “funeral” of Carnival, concluding with the burning of King Carnival at Solomos Square. The Mayor will then declare the opening of Carnival 2027. 8:30 p.m. Marouloskorda tradition at Agios Nikolaos of the Mole. 9:30 p.m. Cutting of the traditional Lagana bread and wishes for Good Lent at the Cultural Center.  CLEAN MONDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2026
Koulouma celebrations across Zakynthos 12:00 p.m. – Koulouma in Tsilivi Traditional foods, music, dances, and festivities by local cultural associations. 12:00 p.m. – Koulouma in Maries Village Live music, Lenten foods, kite-flying competition, and traditional dances.  When Greece was invaded during World War Two, life for the Greek people was hard. Initially they were under Italian rule, as part of the Axis powers, but when the Germans invaded in 1943 things changed dramatically. One of the first things that happened upon the German invasion of Zakynthos was a situation that has now become a memorable and important story of extreme bravery. A German called Commandant Berenz, was placed in charge of Zakynthos on 09 September 1943. He approached the then Mayor of Zakynthos, Loukas Karrer, asking for a list of all Jewish residents on the island. The list was to be handed over within twenty-four hours, with threats of severe punishment, if the Commandant’s request wasn’t granted. Mayor Karrer spoke with Bishop Chrysostomos. The Bishop wrote a letter to Hitler, in which he told him that the Jews were under his authority and not the Germans. The Mayor and Bishop then visited the Commandant and passed the letter and list of names to him. It is understood that Commandant Berenz presented the list of names and the letter for Hitler to the Nazi Military Commandant in Berlin. The list given to the Commandant by the Mayor and Bishop contained only two names: Mayor Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos. During World War Two the total Jewish population of Zakynthos was 275 people, but none of their names ever made the list that was demanded by Commandant Berenz. Whilst the Mayor and Bishop were giving the list to Commandant Berenz, Rabbi Isaac Ghani, the President of the Jewish Community organised a swift mass move of the island’s Jewish residents. With help from the Greek Resistance, the families were hidden across Zakynthos, ending up in the mountains, farmhouses, monasteries and even cellars. The risk to islanders was great, but what they did saved many lives. Due to the incredibly brave actions of both men, not one Jewish resident of the island of Zakynthos was ever sent to a WW2 concentration camp, and the island remains the only place to have successfully saved its entire Jewish population. They remained safely in their hiding places, undiscovered. They all survived and went on to continue their lives post-war, most moving either to Athens or Israel. During the Great Ionian Earthquake of 1953, the historic Jewish Synagogue in Zakynthos Town was sadly destroyed, meaning that a lot of history was lost. But a lasting memorial to both the Mayor and the Bishop still stands on the original site of the Synagogue to mark their incredible heroism. The story of their bravery continues to live on in the minds and hearts of the Zakynthian people, never to be forgotten. This incredible tale of the saving of the Jewish population of Zakynthos has been written about in several books, including Among the Olive Groves and Miracle of Zakynthos. It has also been turned into a short film called “Life Will Smile.”  Mayor Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos.  The Jewish Synagogue memorial in Zakynthos Town
Epiphany, or as we call it (ta Fota) Τα Φώτα is one of the most important celebrations of the year in Zakynthos, rich in symbolism, faith, and deeply rooted traditions. With Epiphany, the Twelve Days of Christmas come to an end, and light finally overcomes darkness, bringing purification, blessing, and a new beginning. Tonight at midnight, as Epiphany dawns, Zakynthian tradition tells us that the heavens gently open, and the wishes whispered in that sacred moment are carried beyond the stars to be fulfilled. The Blessing of the Waters.  photo source Facebook. credit to original owner.
On Epiphany Day, following the Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing of the Waters takes place. In Zakynthos, this ceremony has a distinctive local character, as the Cross is not thrown freely into the sea as you would see in other parts pf Greece. Instead, it is blessed using a long pole by the priest, in accordance with the island’s tradition.
In addition to the main port and central locations, the blessing of the waters is also performed on other beaches around the island, such as Kalamaki, as well as in several coastal areas, allowing local communities to take part in this important celebration. The Custom of the Bitter Orange Trees and the Korokakia 
photo by νυχθημερόν
On January 5th, the eve of Epiphany, Zakynthos comes alive with tradition. It is common to see children going from house to house singing the Epiphany carols, announcing the approaching feast. In recent years, a traditional Epiphany song that had been lost to time has also been revived, reconnecting the island with an important part of its musical and cultural heritage.
This traditional Epiphany carol celebrates the Feast of Lights and the blessing of the waters, using rich symbolic imagery such as the white dove, priests chanting, and flowing water to express purification and divine presence. Rooted in folk poetry, it reflects themes of joy, sanctification, and the spiritual renewal of both nature and the household on Epiphany Day.
This sense of renewal is reflected not only in song, but also in the visual language of the churches. During Epiphany, churches in Zakynthos are traditionally decorated with bitter oranges and long green leaves known locally as Kokorákia (Κοκοράκια). These vibrant green leaves, arranged around icons and the blessing vessels, symbolize life, rebirth, and the victory of light, echoing the spiritual meaning of the feast. The bitter orange tree itself holds a special place in Zakynthian Epiphany customs. The bitter orange is considered a symbol of purity and protection. After the Blessing of the Waters, households sprinkle holy water around their homes, yards, and fields, while a bitter orange is often placed or hung at the entrance of the house or near the home icon stand where it will remain there until Clean Monday, when it will be squeezed and the juice drunk as a remedy for sore throats. This gesture is believed to ward off evil and bring health, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead. Together, the bitter oranges and the Kokorákia—seen both in churches and homes—form a powerful symbol of cleansing, blessing, and renewal, marking Epiphany as a moment of spiritual light and fresh beginnings in Zakynthian tradition. 
In Zakynthos, it is traditional on Epiphany to enjoy avgolemono or roast meat cooked in the oven, while fish is avoided entirely. Bringing fish into the house on Epiphany is considered bad luck, making this day’s meal all the more special and meaningful.
The Epiphany customs of Zakynthos—whether through the blessing of the waters at ports and beaches such as Kalamaki, or through household traditions involving holy water, bitter oranges, and traditional foods—keep the island’s cultural heritage alive and remind us of the timeless human need for light, hope, and renewal. Xronia Polla!!! 
When you truly love your homeland, you take care to give back to it and to honor it through your actions. There is no place without its flaws — but even those are the result of human choices. We are the ones who can make our place, and our world, better. However, to do so, we must be present.
This belief lies at the heart of the project «Καταγραφή καλάντων | Λαογραφική έρευνα» (Recording of Traditional Carols | Folkloric Research)— an authentic and deeply meaningful effort to preserve Zakynthian tradition through living voices, music, and memory. (click on to listen)
A Carol That Begins With Respect.
The traditional Zakynthian Christmas carol sung here opens with a gesture that speaks volumes about the culture it comes from: asking permission. If it is with your will and with your permission, may I sing in your noble home of Christ’s Divine birth. This opening is not merely poetic. It reflects a worldview rooted in respect, humility, and community — values that have long defined Zakynthian tradition. The Message of Christmas The carol continues with the joyful announcement of the Nativity: Christ is born today, in the city of Bethlehem; the heavens rejoice, and all of nature is glad. He is born in a cave, laid in a manger for animals, the King of Heaven and the Creator of all. Faith, humility, and wonder come together in these verses, reminding us that Christmas is not about grandeur, but meaning. 
A Blessing That Looks to the Future
As tradition demands, the carol closes with a blessing for the household: May no stone ever crack in this tall house, and may the master of the house live a thousand years. These words were never meant to be sung casually. They are wishes for endurance, continuity, and life itself — values that matter just as much today. Being “Present” for Tradition If, within even a small piece of our homeland, the only goal is self-promotion and personal gain, then tradition fades into noise. In that case — good night, Kemal. But “good day” to those who choose a different path. This project stands as a tribute to two young people who, for many years now, have steadfastly and stubbornly supported Zakynthian tradition, offering their work not for personal benefit, but out of love, responsibility, and selflessness: Dionysios Arkadianos-Galantis and Marinos Giannoulis Through personal struggle, dedication, and authenticity, they continue to contribute meaningfully to the living history of this place. Of course, this video is the result of the selfless contribution of many volunteers, whose efforts help preserve and pass on our traditions to the next generation. This Is Christmas. Not spectacle, but presence. Not self-interest, but offering. Not nostalgia, but living tradition....... we look forward to the next two traditional songs that will follow soon. Zakynthian heritage lives on — through voices, care, and people who choose to be present. Χρόνια Πολλά. |
Hello! We're Zakynthos Informer, welcome to our blog page.
We're here to give the best information about the island, the secret and not so secret places to visit and keep you updated on information and news Archives
November 2025
Categories
All
|
