Kali Panagia

Today, Greece celebrates the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. This is a big deal: it’s the third-greatest celebration in Greece, right after Christmas and Easter. And I’ve heard plenty of people wish each other, “Kali Panagia” – loosely...

August 15, Dormition of the Virgin

The Dormition of the Virgin is the third greatest celebration in Greece (and the Greek Orthodox tradition), after Easter and Christmas. Greeks celebrate it in their usual boisterous way: large family gatherings, public festivals, and loads of lamb eating. Some escape...

August 15 in Greece: Dormition of the Virgin

Not many people may realize this, but today’s celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin is the third greatest celebration in Greece (and the Greek Orthodox tradition), after Easter and Christmas. Although nominally a religious holiday, it is celebrated in the...