Hydra offers its guests the opportunity, through
a multitude of cultural events
and activities, to be entertained and come into contact
with the naval tradition of the island.
The Miaoulia is
the greatest feastivity of the island which is held
every year on the Saturday closest to June 21. It
is a three-day event in honour of the great admiral
of Hydra Andrea
Maiouli for
his contribution to the liberation
of Greece from the Turks. Miaoulia is a wonderful
opportunity and you can attend exhibitions, lectures,
musical events, theatrical performances, games, dances,
the burning of the Turkish flagship and sporting
events. The festivities culminate on and end with
fireworks, and with the burning of the turkish Flagship,
the third and final day of events.
Another event is
the Kountourioteia celebrations
which honours the first president
of the Greek Republic, the Hydra Admiral Paul Kountouriotis.
The Kountourioteia are celebrated on the late August
and includes a lavish six-day celebration program,
which is filled with tours of the island's museums,
exhibitions, screenings, lectures, book presentations
and sporting events.
The Greek
Orthodox Easter in Hydra
is a unique experience because
of the impressive Orthodox
liturgy done outdoors. The prettiest and most picturesque
Hydra tradition is the Epitaph where it ends into
the sea to bless the waters and pray
for the wellbeing of the
sailors.
The Resurrection at Easteris
being done in all churches
of the island and ends with
the traditional roasting
lamb and burning of Judas, into a pandemonium of
fireworks and click.
At the end of the autumn period
(14 November) is being celebrated
the memory of the Patron
Saint of Hydra, the Martyr St. Constantine
of Hydra, the church built on the ruins
of his home, in the place Kiafa.
Visitors also have
the opportunity to participate
in several traditional celebrations
and festivals that keep the
authentic character of Hydra,
such as the celebration of
the eight patron saints of
the island (June 24) and the Holy Assumption religious
festival in honour of the Virgin
Mary.
During the
Halloween, local and foreign
visitors, have fun and enjoy the carnival,
with parades. The paradeends
at the harbor, where the
partying continues until
late evening.