You feel like some spiritual atmosphere, uplifting music and some interesting Greek traditions? Then you should definitely not miss the big celebration in honour of the Dormition of the virgin Mary at 15th of August, because this is one of the most important religious holidays in Greece!

The Dormition of the Theotokos (as it is called in the Eastern Orthodox Church), was the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.

Icons of the Virgin are adorned with flowers and ribbons and carried around the streets, so that everyone can touch them. In the church is a long service and as usual in the orthodox church, people light candles.

The evening of that day no central square in whole Greece is empty, believe me! Traditional Greek dance music is played, folklore dances are showed (in amazing traditional costumes!) and there are even fireworks in some places! Everybody enjoys music, dancing, drinking, eating and just being together with their beloved ones at that special feast because it is a happy day: The Assumption is important to many Orthodox Christians and Catholics as the Virgin Mary’s heavenly birthday (the day that Mary was received into Heaven). Her acceptance into the glory of Heaven is seen by believers as the symbol of the promise made by Jesus to all enduring Christians that they too will be received into paradise.

So put your nicest clothes on and let’s enjoy the joyful spectacle for the dormition of the Theotokos at 15th of August!