Every year in Arachova, residents (and visitors alike!) eagerly await the famous St. George Festival! This grand celebration, in honor of the area's patron saint, attracts visitors from surrounding areas and all over Greece. This year, with Easter falling in May, the celebrations will take place on May 5th instead of its usual date on April 23rd. The excitement is already on!
"In the last few weeks, we have already started preparations for the traditional costumes of young and old. George's fustanella needs freshening and a lot of ironing as ithas the necessary 400 pleats...", says Eleni, from Trekking Hellas Parnassos.
From May 5th to 8th, Arachova transforms into a magical scene reminiscent of a bygone era. Residents, dressed in traditional costumes, walk the streets, participating in church services and lively events in the squares. Every morning starts spectacularly - with the sound of festive cannon fire.
At this time, preparations are in full swing. Homes are transformed into costume workshops and getting everyone dressed up in time is a delightful (and slightly chaotic!) affair, transforming into a lively bustle. There is an undeniable joy for the residents though, because they are embracing their heritage. "The girls wear a white woollen sheghouni and a red gold-embroidered apron! Even the babies are dressed up. It's controlled mayhem in our household to make sure we all get dressed in time ... one is looking for his gonatares and another for her headscarf!" confirms Helen.
A favorite event for children (and many adults!) is the uphill procession of young men and old men in local costume on the battlefield of Karaiskakis. "What is particularly touching every year is the moment when the elders run uphill and a few metres before the finish push the oldest one in front. After the race is completed, we all go downhill to the fountain of St. George where the lyrical girls release the water!" Eleni notes.
Throughout the week, the village pulsates to the rhythms of the Greek Revolution until Wednesday when the festival is "ruined" to the sound of piping and ntaoulia. The sound marks the end of the celebration - a bittersweet reminder that all good things must come to an end. Helen adds: "With clenched hearts, we put on our best for the last day, circle the church three times dancing, and walk down the 265 steps leading to the cafes together."
The air is filled with music, laughter and of course plenty of tsipouro. In this way we bid farewell to the Festival (or Panigiraki in Greek) and welcome the beauty of spring! The main street is transformed into a lively dance floor and the tourist buses stop. "A unique moment is when the driver opens doors, 50 Australians get off and join the dance with us!" Eleni from Trekking Hellas Parnassos adds.
This is the essence of St George's Day - a celebration that transcends age, origin, and even language. May we be well, and may we all celebrate St. George together every year!