Lagadas in Thessaloniki to revive 'Anastenaria' fire-walking festival
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
The town of Lagada near the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki will once again revive the old tradition of fire-walking, known locally as Anastenaria, for three days on May 21-23.
The festival will coincide with the religious feast of Constantine and Helen on Sunday, continuing until the following Tuesday.
According to local legend, the Anastenaria fire-walking tradition began when a fire broke out in the Church of Constantine and Helen in the village of Kosti in Thrace. The villagers defied the danger and entered the blazing church to save the icons, emerging unscathed. The miracle is now celebrated each year when the 'Anastenarides' walk barefoot on burning coals.
Tagged under
Related items
- EU Commission sees Greece's growth rate at 2.2% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2025
- Menidi: Forty year old woman stabbed by enstranged husband in the middle of the street - Police on manhunt
- Kosmos leader slams government inaction against climate change
- Greek police arrest 28 after Law School occupation, including 9 foreign nationals
- Syracuse exhibition on Mycenaean influence on Sicily includes golden cup of Dendra
Latest from E.Tsiliopoulos
- EU Commission sees Greece's growth rate at 2.2% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2025
- Menidi: Forty year old woman stabbed by enstranged husband in the middle of the street - Police on manhunt
- FM Gerapetritis: Greece will ratify Prespa Agreement when North Macedonia fully complies with its int'l commitments
- Turkish crime kingpin arrested in Athens
- Kosmos leader slams government inaction against climate change