Zakynthos really comes alive at certain
times throughout the year when the locals celebrate or commemorate.
Carnival, Easter and St Dionisios Day are all highlights on the
Zakynthos calendar!
There are a number of special events in Zakynthos each year. The
Zakynthian people go out of their way to honour the traditions of the
past, both in commemorating and celebrating special events throughout
the year. People of all ages participate in a variety of wonderful
events and special occasions, with a unified spirit that attracts
people, not only from around the island, but many visitors from all over
Greece.
Carnival in Zante
Carnival, which takes place over fifteen days in February and March,
is one of the most popular celebrations for Zakythians. Colourful events
which take place, including activities for all ages, make life fun and
exciting for all!
As tradition would have it ‘Town Criers’ spread the news about Carnival
across the town. Numerous carnival processions take place, among them a
nightly carnival procession and “Piccolo Carnevale” for little children.
The ‘Venetian Wedding’, a theatrical type procession, provides a step
back to the Venetian Era in Zakynthos. Many people are dressed up to
take part in a typical old style Venetian Weddings, with a bride and
groom, and all the ceremony this would have involved.
Another wonderful spectacle, the Great Carnival Procession, leads
finally to a night time finale, entitled ‘Povero Carnevale’ that
concludes the carnival season.
This is a great time to be in Zante. Despite Carnival falling outside
of the typical tourist season, this is a chance to experience Greece and
Zakynthos at its most traditional and entertaining. The people really
get into the carnival spirit and there is fun to be had by all.
St. Dionisios Celebrations
Twice a year the Zakynthian people hold celebrations to honour the
Patron Saint of the Island of Zante, Saint Dionisios. The summer
celebration is the biggest, taking place on the 24th of August every
year.
Leading up to the big day, a large outdoor bizarre is set up at the
bottom of Zante town, close to St. Dionisios Church. You will find
everything for sale in here, from kitchen utensils to clothing, and at
very good prices.
On the afternoon of St.Dionisios day is the main parade. The body of
the Saint, in a gold and glass casket, is walked through the streets,
accompanied by a procession of priests, soldiers and politicians. People
travel from far and wide to attend this procession, many sick people lie
on the road and let the casket pass over them – believing the Saint to
be capable of performing miracles.
Afterwards, Zante town is always buzzing with people – being the peak
of the summer months, filled with Greeks and foreign tourists. There is
always a fantastic fireworks display to mark the end of this important
religious day.
Easter
Easter has always been celebrated in a special way in Zakynthos with
aa number of religious processions and traditions.
The celebrations have recently been enriched by the Municipality,
with the addition of the Good Monday Oratory, which harmoniously
intertwines music into the ceremonial part of Easter in Zakynthos.
Christmas in Zakynthos Zante
During the festive season, the Municipality of Zakynthos organizes
various events for children of all ages. These take place at the
Christmas Village in St. Mark’s Square. Santa Claus offers his little
friends many toys, sweets and bundles of Christmas joy.
Christmas is a charming time in Zante, you will often here local
Zakynthian kandathes singers in the streets singing local Christmas
songs. The Christmas tree is put up in the middle of San Marco square
and sparkles over the town.
