The experiences worth savoring during Easter in Tinos.
Easter in Tinos is a unique experience of reverence and tradition in the heart of the Aegean. Serene, springtime and filled with wildflowers, Tinos at this time reveals its most authentic side to those who want to blend the island breeze with village customs. Deeply bound with religion, tradition and art, the island of Megalochari, with its wonderful landscapes and picturesque Cycladic villages, has much to offer the visitor at Easter as well.
Easter customs in Tinos
Holy Week on the island begins with a devout atmosphere, as the faithful flock to the imposing Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Chora. It is worth witnessing the Deposition from the Cross at Megalochari and at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in the village of Xinara. The harmonious coexistence of Orthodox and Catholics makes Easter in Tinos special.
On Good Friday evening in Chora, all the Epitaphios processions gather on the marble platform, where the Lamentations are chanted. Among the most well-known is that of the parish of St. Nicholas, which enters the sea with the priest and the liturgical fans, at Kalamia beach, while at the same time, on the rocky islet opposite, fires are lit on three crosses and caiques whistle. This custom is held in memory of those who lost their lives at sea. Impressive too is the Epitaphios procession in the village of Steni and in Pyrgos, where women sprinkle it with myrrh from balconies or windows.
On Holy Saturday morning, at the first Resurrection in the church of the Panagia, lemon leaves are scattered, which are considered to bring good luck. On Easter Monday people gather in the picturesque village of Kardiani where a big festival takes place. Equally renowned is the Feast of Love, organized the same day in Ktikados - a meal for Orthodox and Catholics, held every year as a sign of reconciliation and unity.
What to do in Tinos
- Exploring Tinos Town you will discover typical Cycladic alleys, mansions, old churches and pretty little shops that offer small gastronomic treasures. What dominates the town is the complex of the Panagia of Tinos. The imposing church of the Panagia began to be built in 1823, on the site of the church of Zoodochos Pigi. It is a splendid edifice constructed from white marble.
- At this time of year the island is ideal for walks along its blossom-filled paths, passing by chapels and dovecotes, as well as for a spring road trip by car through the inland villages where you will discover all the hidden magic of Tinos. We suggest visiting as many as possible: Pyrgos, the largest village on the island, which resembles an open-air folk art exhibition, the unexpectedly green Kardiani with its sweeping sea views, Volakas (or Volax) with its scattered round granite boulders that recall a lunar landscape, the amphitheatrically built Ysternia (like a balcony over the Aegean), Steni (the second largest village on the island after Pyrgos), Dio Choria, as well as the little harbor of Panormos with fish tavernas right by the waves.
- The island’s Easter sweet is the traditional cheese pie made with unsalted cheese and shaped to resemble lychnarakia. Do not miss the chance to taste the unique local products. The delicious Tinian artichokes, capers, louza and kopanisti cheese, are among the most famous products you will find in shops selling traditional products.
