Festival of Agios Georgios in Arachova

The Festival of Agios Georgios, Arachova is a local festival to honor Saint George, or Agios Georgios, the town’s patron.

This local festival known by the villagers as ‘Panigiraki’ will be celebrated every year starting on the second day of Easter in Greece. During the three-day-long feast, they will celebrate the knight who killed a dragon, Saint George.  There are several stories about the slaying of the dragon, but it probably dates back as far as the 12th century.

You can see that they have this celebration will everywhere in Greece but mostly in sheep herding towns. This is because Saint George is the patron of shepherds. April is the time when the fields are planted and the sheep will head back to the mountains, so this is why this day is celebrated in April.

On the first day of the Festival of Agios Georgios, Arachova you can visit the evening mass followed by a procession with st. George. Furthermore, on the main day, you can join a big BBQ feast on the main square of the town.

If you are planning your next trip to Europe I recommend you to read these tips. Furthermore, while you are visiting Europe you might want to learn more about all the events.

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