connect with us
Greece's latest tourism industry news by Greek Travel Pages

Spending the ‘Dekapentavgoustos’ (August 15) Holiday in Attica – Events

View from Kaisariani Hill looking towards Athens, with Salamis visible in the background. Photo by A.Savin (Wikimedia Commons · WikiPhotoSpace)

View from Kaisariani Hill looking towards Athens, with Salamis visible in the background. Photo by A.Savin (Wikimedia Commons · WikiPhotoSpace)

Join in the festivities of the August 15 holiday in Attica, under the majestic full moon!

On the occasion of the upcoming August 15 national holiday (Dekapentavgoustos in Greek) and full moon, the Region of Attica has listed many destinations for residents and visitors to discover and experience unique events.

“This August in Attica we visit beautiful destinations with unique traditions and customs, and join in fascinating cultural events under the majestic August full moon.” – Region of Attica

‘Dekapentavgoustos’ in a reverent and festive atmosphere

Photo source: Visit Greece

Photo source: Visit Greece

The 15th of August is devoted to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and churches across Attica that are dedicated to Panagia (Mother of God) welcome thousands of people every year for the grand celebration.

Photo source: Region of Attica

Photo source: Region of Attica

Also known as the “Easter of the summer”, it is a national holiday in Greece that is welcomed with great enthusiasm throughout Attica and includes festivities and fairs (panigyria) that last up to three days. The decorated central squares in villages and the courtyards of the churches are filled with locals and foreign visitors who participate with excitement.

Dekapentavgoustos in Attica is celebrated with reverent services and glorious festivities at the Monastery of the Panagia ton Kliston (Virgin of the Closed Defiles), in northern Fily, amidst a stunning lush landscape.

In the beautiful region of Troezen, at the seaside town of Vidi, lies the Holy Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary that offers a majestic view of Poros island. Every year, the town’s traditional August 15 festival attracts visitors not only from the area, but from all over the world.

Monastery of Faneromeni, Salamina. Photo source: monastiria.gr

Monastery of Faneromeni, Salamina. Photo source: monastiria.gr

The Monastery of Faneromeni in Salamina hosts the island’s most jubilant festival, between August 19-25. Hundreds of visitors attend the mass, followed by the icon procession that takes place on August 23, accompanied by the coast guard.

In Spetses, the church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary in Kasteli celebrates the Dekapentavgoustos gloriously and the whole island attends the festivities to honour the great occasion.

Every year, beginning of August marks the launch of “Theomitorika” events in Hydra, organised by the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Festivities culminate on August 15 and last until the evening of August 22.

Monastery of Panagia Chryssoleontissa, Aegina. Photo source: aeginagreece.com

Monastery of Panagia Chryssoleontissa, Aegina. Photo source: aeginagreece.com

You cannot have Dekapentavgoustos in Aegina without a traditional festival: the historic Monastery of Panagia Chryssoleontissa with the miraculous icon organises the greatest fair on the island.

A magnificent route across a lush landscape in Agistri takes you to the little church of Panagia in Metochi, which welcomes all visitors in Dekapentavgoustos, at the most impressive festivities on the island.

In Potamos, Kythera’s largest village, a joyous festival takes place at the beautiful central square, with plenty of dance, food and local wine.

“From the centre of Athens to the smallest village in Attica, no matter where you are on the day of Dekapentavgoustos, you will definitely come across a church that celebrates Virgin Mary. Join in the festivities and experience unique moments of tradition, joy, methexis and endless fun!” – Region of Attica

For info on Dekapentavgoustos in Greece, press here.

For info on festivals for the August 15 holiday on the Greek Islands, press here.

Under the August full moon

Photo source: Region of Attica

Photo source: Region of Attica

On Thursday, August 15, the most magnificent full moon of the year will adorn the sky of Attica, offering an enchanting spectacle!

“Like every year, various museums, monuments and archaeological sites across Attica will be open for the public, hosting concerts and other cultural events with free entry for all. The events start from 11 August, they culminate on the 15th and last until 19 August.” – Region of Attica

The Acropolis Museum in Athens will host exceptional Greek artists to perform beloved songs on August 15, under the August Full Moon. The museum will be open from 8 am to 12 midnight (entry will be free from 8pm onwards) and visitors will also be able to enjoy the permanent exhibition galleries as well as the temporary exhibition ‘Chisel and Memory. The contribution of marble craftsmanship to the restoration of the Acropolis monuments’. Press here for more information.

The National Archaeological Museum will remain open in the evening of August 15, hosting events with musical ensembles, as well as thematic guided tours in the permanent exhibitions of the museum. All-day free access to the Western Hills – Ηills of the Muses (Philopappos), the Pnyx, and the Nymphs (Observatory) – will give visitors the opportunity to marvel not only the magnificent landscape of the area but also the breathtaking view of the Acropolis in the light of the full moon.

Castle of Chora, Kythera. Photo © GTP

Castle of Chora, Kythera. Photo © GTP

The Archaeological Site of Amphiaraeio in Oropos will remain open for the public until midnight, hosting an event that features a recorded recitation of poems by prominent Greek poets and music. The Castle of Chora on Kythera island and the permanent Exhibition of Blazons will be open for visitors until midnight.

“Enjoy a special summer night in Attica, in sites of stunning beauty and breathtaking history, under the enchanting August full moon!” – Region of Attica

For more information on the full moon events in Greece, press here.

Photo source: Region of Attica

Photo source: Region of Attica

Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece.
About the Author
This is the team byline for GTP. The copyrights for these articles are owned by GTP. They may not be redistributed without the permission of the owner.

Add your comment

*