 This evening July 31st, and in view of the Assumption day Lent period that begins the following day, the Zakynthians, as a tradition gathered on the coastal areas of town, from Agio Triatha to Agio Dionysios church. Most would wander around enjoying the summer night, singing and exchanging conversation, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. On the clock's strike August 1st, the church bells signifying the advent of Lent, and also giving the signal to Zakynthians, to remove their shoes, ladies to lift the skirts and men their trouser legs and enter the sea, on the edge just where the small waves break near the shore, to catch as they say the malliari." What they are actually looking for is a stone in which moss is sprouting upon it, green hairy like plants, those that grow beneath the seawater. It is the so-called 'hairy' stone that they are keen to dig up, acting like a trophy, as they bring the stone to the house, clutched high in their hand until it is place under their bed. The "Malliari" is a centuries-old tradition, no one knows exactly when it started but there was talk that the word 'Malliari' was used by purists, those using the Greek Language Katharevousa depeciting demoticits, those using a newer form of the Greek language Demotic back in the 18th century and because of their rather bohemian appearance they were known as the "Malliari". The 'Malliari' stone is said to bring good luck for the whole year, if nothing else, it helps to keep mosquitoes away. The more hairy the stone, the more likely a single woman is to see the man she will marry in her sleep! So it's not just about looking for a hairy stone it's about looking for a stone with the most hair on it, the hairier the better!!!!. But no one knows if the custom is more about the metaphysical properties of a hairy stone or the Dionysian enthusiasm by exchanging puns involving the word "hairy". It is a fact that this custom is purely for Horaites. (town's people). In the villages it is not complied, many may not even know about it, perhaps as they do not live near the sea. Within the town itself, those who would follow mostly the tradition would be those who lived in the coastal areas Ammos Tampakika and Agio Triatha, while the rest of the town had an appetite for jokes, wine and songs. If nothing else, to carry a 'hairy' stone from the beach to town kilometers on foot, and for every village, was a subject of talk ... The celebration is something between a mini carnival reminiscent of something from the Carnival preceding Lent at Easter and an honorary celebration for the sea, which always, and in many ways is connected to Zakynthos. In recent years the Municipality of Zakynthos, social groups or clubs organize a festival with live music from bands and choirs, wine, traditional dishes, varcarola and zakynthian serenades. So, tonight join in the fun, there is a lot happening in town tonight under the Saint Dionysios' bell tower, but don't forget at midnight you have to catch your "Hairy" stone!!!! 
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 UPDATED:_
27/07/2025 The repair of the damage to the main water supply in Lithakia was successfully completed, shortly after 9:00 PM Saturday evening, thanks to the superhuman effort of our technical teams, who worked continuously and under difficult conditions, with the sole aim of restoring the water supply as quickly as possible and minimizing the suffering of our fellow citizens. ............................................................. 27.07.25 The Waterboard crews have been working since this morning to repair damage to the main water supply pipeline in the Municipal Community of Zakynthos. At this stage there is NO water supply. The damage is located on the road of Kapodistriou Street in Zakynthos town, which has suffered extensive subsidence. ........................................................................ 25.07.25 Waterboard employees have been working since this morning to repair the damage to the main water supply pipeline in the Municipal Community of Lithakia. The areas where the water supply has been interrupted are the following: Lithakia, Pantokratoras, Mouzaki, Laganas, Kalamaki, Ampelokipoi, Gaitani, Argassi, Vasilikos. The crews have been working since this morning and will continue for as long as necessary until the water supply is restored. Updates will follow. Source:- deyazakynthos.gr/  Zakynthos has hit a new tourism low with a video that's surfaced on social media. The x-rated video shows men lined up against a wall, while in the centre a young girl is committing oral sex in front of an audience. According to NewsIt, a video from a tourist resort of Zakynthos has been circulating the internet for a few hours, showing female tourists taking part in an oral sex competition inside a club. The shocking event was recorded by dozens of mobile cameras and immediately circulated on social media. The videos, which were taken inside a nightclub in Zakynthos, depict some female tourists from abroad showing off their skills and their young partners enjoying the moments.  The video has been widely circulated on the internet and presents defamatory images of Zakynthos. Deputy Mayor for Tourism Angeliki Avgoustinou took a position, telling radio station Prisma 90.2 that the Municipality immediately filed a complaint with the Police and the Prosecutor's Office to investigate the case. As she noted, the controversial video has already exceeded 2 million views on a foreign website.  The Municipality of Zakynthos unequivocally condemns any behavior or action that offends the public decency and image of our island. The incident that allegedly took place in a private entertainment venue has absolutely no connection with institutional or municipal activity.
Zakynthos is a hospitable and civilized place, which attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its natural beauty, its history and its culture. The Municipality supports tourism with respect for the place, its people and our values. We cooperate with the competent authorities to ensure the observance of legality and order in every part of the island. Meanwhile the comments on news posts by Zakynthians are that of disgust and a call for authorities to put an end to the problems this type of tourism creates. Zakynthos Informer would like to stress that engaging in sexual activities in public places without considering the boundaries of others is not only disrespectful but can also have legal consequences. Violating Greek laws can lead to criminal prosecution, fines and even registration as a sex offender. Source:- www.zougla.gr/category/greece/ 
Zakynthos once again took part in the 23rd edition of the Giostra Cavalleresca d'Europa e dei Borghi più belli d'Italia This international event grows in prestige and significance year after year. The 2025 edition, which officially opened on Friday, July 18, confirms its historic and spectacular value, but is also part of a broader cultural project inspired by the figure of Pope Celestine V and his message of peace.
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