Timeless traditions, picturesque villages and enchanting routes promise an unforgettable Easter at Lake Plastira.
One of the most impressive lakes in Greece, Lake Plastira (or Tavropos) is an ideal destination for Easter, as it blends spectacular scenery, nature, villages with a traditional character, and distinctive, unique customs. For those who love serenity and tradition, away from the crowds, Lake Plastira and its villages are exactly what they seek for the Easter holidays.
Easter at Lake Plastira
The Easter customs in the villages of the area have remained alive for years, adding their own color to the days of Holy Week. At noon on Good Friday at the historic Holy Monastery of Koroni there is a reenactment of the Deposition from the Cross of the Crucified. In the evening, the Epitaphios procession takes place with reverence in the churches of the villages around Lake Plastira.
On Holy Saturday the burning of the Aphanos is revived at the moment of the Resurrection in many villages such as Morphovouni, Mesenikolas, Fylakti, Kryoneri, Kerasia, Xinoneri and Neochori. They set fire to a large stack of fir and cedar branches at the moment of «Christ is Risen» and burn the Aphanos (the effigy of Judas), a spectacular custom that symbolizes the Resurrection of Christ. Afterwards they eat the traditional mageiritsa.
On Easter Sunday spits are set up and festivities take place by the lake, while in Morphovouni the Double Dance of Agrafa is revived. After Vespers the locals stage the «dance of love», a celebration with traditional music. The dance is «double and fourfold», with two lines for the women in the inner circle and two for the men. The custom is for the village priest to begin first with a song that refers to the Resurrection of Jesus. The treat of the day is wine and red eggs.
On the second day of Easter, among other things, in Kryoneri the Signa are revived. This is a religious custom, as after the service a procession is formed with the banners, the icons and the processional fans, circling the village and chanting Christ is Risen to ward off evil.
What to do at Lake Plastira
Lake Plastira is an ideal destination for spring getaways. The blossoming landscape around the lake lends itself to strolls and activities in nature. The artificial lake covers a vast area and all around are built traditional villages and settlements. In various spots there are organized activities, such as cycling on the lake, Canoe- Kayak, archery, horse riding and mountain biking. The hiking routes are many and the trails will lead you either to different parts of the lake or to the villages.
If you have time you can do the circuit of the lake by car and choose which villages to visit. Starting from Kalyvia Pezoulas you will need to cover about 60 kilometers to go all the way around. One of the most impressive stops is the Tavropos dam, where you will find stalls with local products to put in your luggage.
Its villages are countless and each has its own beauty. In Kalyvia Pezoulas and Kalyvia Fylaktis you will find traditional tavernas and cafés. Mesenikolas is renowned for its wine. In Neraida and Neochori you will enjoy the views and in Fylakti you will walk among the fir forest. At the Pezoulas Beach and Lamperou make a stop for a picnic or coffee and a walk by the lake.
Do not miss visiting the Monastery of Panagia Pelekitis, perched on the rock since the 15th century. The view from its courtyard will take your breath away. Another monastery overlooking the Thessalian plain is the Holy Monastery of Koroni which is located near the traditional village of Moschato. Before you leave make a stop in Karditsa for coffee and tsipouro in its squares.
