One of the main, if not the main, attractions of the island of Ikaria are its famous festivals, which seem to be increasingly populous year by year, with many holidaymakers organizing similar ones in Athens upon their return, whether they are related to Ikaria or not.
The authentic Ikarian celebrations still exist and thrive, with one of the most unique being the one that takes place during the celebration of March 25th at the Holy Monastery of Evangelistria in Mavrianos. Cod is fried, while the women of the village, and anyone else who wishes to help, prepare garlic sauce and potato salad, sometimes also cabbage-carrot salad, all served together as one portion, for a small fee.
The proceeds contribute to the maintenance and needs of the monastery, which no longer has monks. This is a tradition that has lasted for over 100 years and takes place in the cells of the monastery, where locals and visitors gather with their instruments, forming small informal “scenes” during or after the meal, creating conditions for celebration that last for hours.
The music is played by both professionals who happen to be there and amateurs – it is well known that a large percentage of Ikarians are involved with music in one way or another, and many play an instrument.
As for the participants in the event, the vast majority are locals, with a small portion being visitors, mainly from nearby villages. The event takes place without electricity or a generator, only under the light of candles, which makes those present feel like they have left behind 2024 and they have visited the island’s past.
It’s also worth noting that since the time of the pandemic and onwards, the population of the island has increased significantly, either with people returning or with individuals who, because they fell in love with Ikaria, wanted to make it their permanent residence.
As the permanent residents increase, as well as those who choose the place for their holidays, we should remember that customs like the one at the Holy Monastery of Evangelistria in Mavrianos, as well as many others, require the respect of everyone in order to continue to exist unchanged over time and to continue to offer experiences that seem lost in history.
