Every place has its own customs but Kalymnos has some of the less known, hidden traditions in Greece.
Some summers after my teenage years I spent in Kos. One of my childhood friends originated from the island and we went to his vacation home. So I have plenty of pleasant memories from this island and now that I photograph all over Greece, I could not neglect it. I know of course that the tourist industry has the upper hand since then, but like every place in Greece, Kos has a great tradition behind, which I was determined to discover. Among hordes of tourists looking for cheap blue and vitamin D, some residents try to preserve what may have been left from past times.
I you happen to be in Olympos, during August, you might be lucky enough to witness the transportation of a groom's dowry to the bride's place before their marriage. A very old traditional custom
If you happen to be in Olympos village of Karpathos island during August, you might be lucky enough to see a traditional wedding taking place. I was able to see both a wedding and an engagement.
If you happen to be in Olympos village of Karpathos island during August, you might be lucky enough to see a traditional engagement taking place.
A small but beautiful festival in the small island of Saria, next to Karpathos. The festival is a celebration of the small, family owned church of Saint Zacharias, on his name day, September 5.
A three day festival where a boar is cooked and prepared in the traditional way
Saint Averky is the protector of wines, at least in Santorini island. Santorini has two churches after Saint Averky, a name not too common in Greece, one in Pyrgos and the other in Emporio villages. On his name day, the winemakers of Santorini open the new wine barrels as a custom. This is what I wanted to experience and by the way taste some of the brilliant wine that Santorini makes.
Student's parade, celebrating OXI on October 28, Andros island
Below is a house I see something I have never seen before elsewhere in Greece. An image of Christ who smiles. I go in and stare at him for a while. I liked the idea.
After eating a delicious food, singing starts. There are local musicians playing. Oldest men sing first, the priest also. In a while, dancing starts. This will last until morning.