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!!!
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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. |
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