Calendar

2026

January 6, Epiphany - An Orthodox holiday associated with the baptism of Christ. In Hydra and Kamini, there is a "blessing of the water" ceremony, during which a priest throws a cross into the sea and local young men jump into the water to retrieve it. The winner will have a blessed year. The holiday itself begins on January 5 with a mass, from which parishioners take holy water to "bless" their homes. On this day, priests also visit households and bless them. On January 6, the holiday continues at 9:00 a.m. in the Cathedral and also in Kamini, in the Church of St. John the Baptist. A procession leaves the cathedral and goes along Miaouli Street to the "good wells" (Kala Pigadia), and after blessing the wells, the procession returns to the port at around 11:30 a.m.

February 19, Tsiknopempti (Τσικνοπέμπτη) - "Smoky Thursday," actually the Thursday of smoke from roasted meat. It is celebrated on the penultimate Thursday before the beginning of Lent. All over Greece, people roast and, of course, eat lots of roasted meat. My former colleagues often took the following Friday off - they really eat a lot of meat.

February 22, Carnival - the last day before the start of Lent. The carnival parade goes up Lignou Street (Donkey Shit Lane) to Four Corners. Then it usually depends on the weather, and a shorter or longer route is chosen for the return to the port.

February 23, Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα) - the beginning of Lent, a day when Lenten foods are eaten and kites are flown. During Lent, meat, eggs, and dairy products are not to be eaten, so fish, octopus, taramosalata, beans, etc. are often served.

March 25, Greek Independence Day - an important holiday for Hydra - the island played a very important role in the war for independence. Children and students play a major role in the celebrations on Hydra, participating in the laying of wreaths together with the mayor, and you will also see them marching in the harbor. Of course, there is also a mass.

April 5, "Hydras Trail Event" - several running disciplines.

April 10, Good Friday (Μεγάλη Παρασκευή) - see the article Easter

April 11, Holy Saturday (Μεγάλο Σάββατο) - see the article Easter

April 12, Easter Sunday (ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ του ΠΑΣΧΑ) - see the article Easter.

May 1 - May Day, Labor Day. However, it is also celebrated as a flower festival, associated with the celebrations of Demeter and Persephone. The island is beautifully blooming at this time, and you will see a wreath of flowers on almost every door. Ferries usually strike on this day, so do not plan to travel.

June - celebrations of Admiral Miaoulis and his role in the War of Independence. The celebrations last the whole month, but culminate on June 27 with fireworks and a commemoration of the naval battle.

August 15, Assumption of the Virgin Mary - Celebrations include masses and processions, and many Greeks also travel to their hometowns and villages.

September (date TBC), Aegina - Fistiki Festival / Pistachio Festival

October (date TBC), Ermioni - Pomegranate Festival. The festival begins on Saturday evening with a concert, followed by a large market on Limani Street on Sunday.

October 28, "Oxi Day" (Oxi / Ochi = No). On this day, all of Greece, as well as Greek communities around the world, commemorate the rejection of Mussolini's ultimatum in 1940. General Ioannis Metaxas reportedly rejected this ultimatum, demanding that Italian troops be allowed to enter Greek territory, with a simple "no," at least according to newspaper headlines. In reality, he said "Alors, c'est la guerre," but this day is a national holiday. On Hydra, a mass and a parade are held on this day.

November (date TBC), Swim & Run, Hydra. An annual race combining various running and swimming disciplines.

November 14, feast day of the patron saint of Hydra, St. Constantine. St. Constantine is the patron saint of the islands of Hydra and Rhodes. On Hydra, a mass is held on the eve of the feast day at the Church of Aghios Konstantinos in Kiaffa and then at the main cathedral. On November 14, a mass is held in the morning at Aghios Konstantinos, and at 10:30 a.m., a procession sets out for the harbor.