Hydra’s Festivals & Holidays

The name “Apokreas” derivies from the Greek phrase Apoxh apo kreas, literally meaning “goodbye to meat.” Similarly, the word “carnivale” derives from the Latin carne, meaning “meat,” and vale, meaning “goodbye.” Originally a pagan feast marking the advent of spring … Continue reading →

In late August, the Municipality of Hydra organizes a commemoration of the death of the first president of the Greek Republic, Hydriot Admiral Pavlos Kondouriotis. The lavish six-day celebration includes tours of the island’s museums, exhibitions, screenings, lectures, book presentations, … Continue reading →

Oxi Day commemorates the rejection by Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas (r. August 4, 1936—January 29, 1941) of the ultimatum, made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on October 28, 1940, demanding that Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain unspecified “strategic … Continue reading →

On Good Friday (Μεγάλη Παρασκευή) villagers carry candles and follow the procession of the Epitaph. After the Epitaph (or Christ’s funeral bier), decorated with flowers, has been processed all over the town, it ends up to the port and the people … Continue reading →

Hydra hosts two annual regattas that mark the beginning and end of the racing season. The first, held on Independence Day, or March 25, is organized by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club and heralds the beginning of the summer. The second, held on Oxi … Continue reading →

On March 25, Greeks celebrate the Greek National Anniversary, a major religious holiday with military parades in the larger towns and cities, celebrating Greece’s victory in the war of Independence against the Turks, who had occupied the country for 400 … Continue reading →

Hydra is famed for its Miaoulia festival, held on the weekend closest to June 21 in honour of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, an important Hydriot naval commander in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1827). Continue reading →