Panigiria: Traditional Greek Festivals

Topic	Summary
Traditional Greek festivals	The article discusses the traditional Greek festivals held on August 15th, known as “Panigiria”.
Significance of August 15th	August 15th is the biggest religious holiday of the summer in Greece, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
Meaning of “Panigiri”	“Panigiri” refers to the celebration of a religious anniversary with gatherings, dancing, singing, and more.
Festivities and traditions	Festivities include wine, tsipouro, food, traditional dances, and music. The celebrations last until morning.
Name days on August 15th	People with names like Maria, Despina, Panagiotis, etc., celebrate their name days on August 15th.
Locations of Panigiria	Panigiria are held in various islands, towns, and villages across Greece, including the Cyclades and Attica.
Panigiria as part of Greek culture	Panigiria are an important part of Greek culture and tradition, celebrated throughout the year for local events.

 

One of the most famous traditional Greek festivals are held on Dekapentavgoustos or August 15! Athens empties out, while the islands and villages are bustling with life, with the faithful flocking to the churches and visitors longing for the moment when they will hold hands to take part in festival celebrations, called “Panigiria”.

Traditional Greek festivals during August 15th

Let’s start from the beginning. August 15th, or “Dekapentavgoustos”, is the biggest religious holiday of the summer for Greeks. The day is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and specifically to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is why there are usually no weddings during the period from August 1 to 15. On the same day, however, the faithful go to church and then have fun at the “panigiria” or any kind of events organized on that day. So, what does the word “panigiri” mean?

Etymology of the word “panigiri”

According to the Dictionary of Standard Modern Greek, it means the celebration of a religious anniversary with the gathering of the faithful around the church and their participation in a variety of fun and customary events (dancing, singing, etc.)

The word comes from the ancient Greek word [πανηγύριον] “panigirion”, which meant “open-air market” and was a diminutive of the word [πανήγυρις] “panigiris” meaning “general assembly”. It is worth noting that in every day spoken language we find the expression [(είμαι) για τα πανηγύρια] “(to be) for the panigiria” to diminish the value of a person, an event, an object or to ridicule them.

Over time, it evolved into its current meaning, denoting the celebration of a religious anniversary with the faithful gathering around the church to partake in various joyful and customary events, including dancing and singing.

The festivals are celebrated with dance and a feast

Wine, tsipouro, appetizers and meat in particular, as well as traditional dances to the sounds of folk music instruments play the main role in the panigiria. The feast usually lasts until the early hours of the morning.

Those who are called: Maria, Despina, Panagiotis, Panagiota, etc. also have their name day on 15 August. Greeks exchange greetings with each other, such as [Χρόνια Πολλά] “Chronia Polla”.

Many islands of the Cyclades are famous for their panigiria on 15 August, as well as many towns and villages in mainland Greece. Panigiria are also held in the Ionian Islands, Euboea and even Attica.

Panigiria is an important part of the Greek culture and tradition

These festivals imbued with Dionysian elements are not only held on 15 August. Many regions of Greece are famous for the panigiria organized throughout the year, which are based on local products. Thus, we have the panigiria for the feast of sardines, watermelon, tomatoes and so on. This tradition has been around for many years and will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.

If you find yourself in Greece during the days of August 15th, it is worth looking for where the nearest panigiri is held and attend it to blend in with the locals, enjoy food and drink and get a taste of Greek traditional dances.

 

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FAQs

1.What is the significance of August 15th in Greece?

The significance of August 15th in Greece lies in its status as the biggest religious holiday of the summer, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

2.What does the word “Panigiri” mean?

“Panigiri” refers to the celebration of a religious anniversary with gatherings of the faithful, involving dancing, singing, and various customary events.

3.Where are Panigiria celebrated in Greece?

Panigiria are celebrated in various islands such as the Cyclades, as well as towns, villages, and even in Attica.

4.What are some traditional elements of Panigiria?

Traditional elements of Panigiria include wine, tsipouro, appetizers, meat, traditional dances, and folk music.

5.Who celebrates their name day on August 15th?

People with names like Maria, Despina, Panagiotis, Panagiota, etc., celebrate their name day on August 15th.

6.Are Panigiria only celebrated on August 15th?

No, Panigiria are celebrated throughout the year in different regions of Greece, often based on local products or events.