Easter in Andros has its own unique character, with flavors and customs that set it apart from the other Cycladic islands.
Aristocratic and stately, Andros, the island of captains, is famed for its Easter customs. Just two hours from the port of Rafina, you will find yourself on the northernmost island of the Cyclades for a springtime escape that will leave you with the best impressions.
Beaches with crystalline waters, villages with preserved mansions and little tavernas by the water’s edge are just some of the reasons to visit the second-largest Cycladic island by area. At Easter, Andros dresses in its finest, with villages and chapels upholding centuries-old traditions. The days of Holy Week flow gently by the sea.
Easter in Andros
Holy Week on Andros is imbued with an island aura. Bells toll mournfully and in the island’s villages local traditions are revived. On Holy Thursday residents decorate the Epitaphioi until late, filling chapels and monasteries with fragrance. One of the most impressive monasteries you can visit is the Holy Monastery of Panachrantos, built atop the rock. On the night of Good Friday the procession of the Epitaphios takes place in Batsi, Korthi, Gavrio and in the smaller villages. Standing out is the Epitaphios of the Holy Church of Panagia Theoskepasti which passes by the sea and the cobbled alleys of Chora.
At night, the Resurrection in all parishes is spectacular, the chapels fill with people and fireworks light up the night sky. The traditional feast follows with mageiritsa and the cracking of red eggs.
Easter Sunday dawns with music, joy and the famed lampriatis, the local recipe that is stuffed kid goat or lamb, with plenty of local herbs, baked in a wood-fired oven. On Sunday afternoon, in the village of Stenies, the air smells of gunpowder as the village’s shipowners have stocked up on many fireworks and firecrackers and when the signal is given, the «maskoula» -as they are called- explode from one end of the village to the other with deafening noise, a unique experience, akin to the «war» of fireworks on Chios. In Paleopolis, in Korthi, Syneti and other villages on Easter Sunday afternoon they play in the street the «tsounia», a traditional game that resembles bowling.
On Easter Monday crowds visit the monastery of Panagia Tromarchiani with its impressive 19th-century carved wooden iconostasis. After the service a big festival follows -one of the most important on Andros-, with local instruments, dances and delicacies until the evening. Traditional Easter sweets are not missing from any home or celebration. Try Andriot amygdalota and xerotigana, accompanied by a traditional liqueur.
What to see in Andros
One of the most aristocratic islands in the Cyclades, Andros has something different. Chora, homeland of shipowners and captains, is aristocratic, with unique preserved houses and cobbled lanes. Walk to the bridge where you will encounter the remains of the Venetian castle and opposite, the statue of the Unknown Sailor. On the centralpaved street you will encounter the Andros Club, Girokomeio Square, as well as the church of the Dormition of the Virgin. The island’s museums have distinctive interest. Visit the Archaeological, the Maritime, the Museum of Folklore and Christian Art, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The villages and settlements have their own beauty. Stenies is the closest village to the island’s Chora, with houses built on the slope, the 17th-century Bistis-Mouvelas tower and the stone bridge of Leontos. In the heart of the island, Menites has many springs with running water and a stream that crosses the village. The seaside Batsi buzzes with life especially after sunset, as the heart of nightlife beats there. Korthi with its tower houses, watermills and stone bridges, stands out for its character. Dominating the area are the Castle of Faneromeni (Upper Castle) and the monastery of Tromarchiani.
Andros is famous for its beaches. Even if you are not ready to start your swims, take a stroll to Grias Pidima, the island’s most famous beach, with the rock that springs from the sea. On the eastern side you will encounter Achla with white pebbles, while among the most popular are Nimborio and Paraporti next to Chora, as well as Agios Petros and Chrissi Ammos.
