Culture

As per the island's tradition, there is a church dedicated to each family that resides there. Every individual church is named after a saint who is known to guard a particular family. A day is dedicated to each saint and on that day, the concerned family hosts an exceptional reception serving food and wine to all those present at the venue. This wonderful display of welcoming strangers goes a long way to reflect the islanders' faith in religion and well-being. The locals refer to the reception as ‘panigiris'. Time and again the islanders have resorted to their cultural and religious beliefs to see them through the wrath of the island. Volcanoes and earthquakes have shattered the island many times but this has not dampened their spirits and the locals have shown a deeper resistance each time. Their churches stand tall to tell a story of strength and struggle that the locals have endured. Their deep-rooted spirituality, belief and unification with the church are reflected in the numerous churches that dot the landscape. Their cultural uniformity is reflected through the white churches with a blue dome. Most are built upon older churches that have been destroyed over the years.

A. Music

For visitors, the island is a source of inspiration and imagination. The locals use the same to keep their musical legacies alive. Influenced wholly by Greek practices, Grecian musicals and folklore are the most common form of local music. Traditional instruments such as the lute and lira form the basis of most musical pieces. The use of brass instruments is common, as musicians in this part of the world have valued such tones since ages. Apart from the regular type, a segment of their musical compositions are dedicated to spirituality and godliness. Most of it is in the local tongue, which makes it difficult for visitors to comprehend. This, however, does not undermine its beauty and depth as the dedication in their souls is often reflected in their musical recitals. The islanders too have accepted world music, as they are the proud hosts of the Santorini International Music Festival, wherein musicians and performers from other corners of the world are invited.

B. Language

During the period 825 BC, Thera, Milos and Crete embraced the Phoenician alphabet. This is when the Hellenic language was first conveyed in a written form. With time, the language evolved even as the Aegean island withstood a Turkish takeover. This also helped keep their language intact and continues to be their national language. Apart from Greek, the locals do speak a bit of English especially in the tourist zones. French, German and Spanish are also spoken in these busy areas.

C. Religious Practices

Studies at excavation sites and of archeological finds have suggested that at earlier times men and women performed religious practices very differently. Aegean frescoes restored from the Bronze Age have been repeatedly examined for a deeper understanding of their artistic inclination and religious iconography. They suggest female initiation rites during pre-puberty and in adulthood. Saffron was used repeatedly in ancient Santorini religious events not as an offering but more as an agent that induced abortion. Women were looked upon for their knowledge and were of didactic nature. As compared to these early beliefs, recent religious practices revolve around the Greek Orthodox Church.

D. Major Events

Greek Easter is celebrated in spring but may not coincide with celebrations in other countries. This is because the Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar to decide upon a date. It the holiest event and the church plays an important part in these celebrations.

Epiphania - Agia Theofania - January 6th

Twelve days after Christmas, there is an extraordinary ceremony, wherein the Greeks bless the waters and vessels that traverse them. Crosses are immersed in the waters and it is the celebration of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist.

Feast of Ipapandi= February 2 in Finikia and Oia

Feast of Agios Ioannis= July 24 in Monolithos

Feast of Agios Averkios =October 22 in Emborio

Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation (Evaggelismos) March 25

March 25th, 1821 saw the Bishop of Patra start a rebellion, which came to be known as the war for independence. As a tribute to the great warriors who took part in this event, there are military parades and celebrations everywhere. Along with the saints' feast the locals also celebrate independence on the same day.

Whit Monday (Agio Pnevma)

Celebrated fifty days after Easter, it marks the appearance of the Holy Spirit to his disciples.

Assumption of the Virgin (Apokimisis tis Panagias) =August 15

This event occurs during the traditional Greek vacation month. At this time, most locals are on the move and a large number of people head to the island of Tinos to be baptized or blessed.

Oxi Day (Ohi Day)= October 28

At some point in the World War II, Mussolini ordered Prime Minister Metaxas to permit free Italian access through Greece. His refusal led to a battle that overthrew the Italian army in 1940. Ohi Day is celebrated to commemorate and remember this major historic win and is celebrated with military parades, folk dances and feasts.

Synaxis tis Panagias= December 26

Gathering of the Virgin's Entourage

This day is the same as Boxing Day in England and Canada and is a national holiday.

E. Etiquettes / Do's and Don'ts

Do leave tips that amount to 10%-15% of the bill.

Do learn a few Greek words as it helps tourists get around with much more ease. This is because locals prefer to speak in Greek and may communicate in English only at the major tourist areas.

On important feast days, locals will offer wine and food to visitors. At certain times, the feast calls for all to drink in large amounts. If tourists are offered drinks and food they should not refuse.

Do make reservations before visiting or leaving the island. Santorini is very popular and tourists may not be able to get bookings on the island if not done earlier.

Even though all visitors may not be required to carry a passport. It is advisable to do so as it is an identification document and can help visitors acquire licenses to drive in Santorini.