The festival of the Virgin Mary
Panagia is the greek name for the Virgin Mary
The most important Greek festival. Athens empties as everyone returns to their villages or islands or goes on holiday. This year it's on a Friday so it's a long weekend, and a Public Holiday.
Poros is overflowing with cars, bikes and people. Roads are almost impassable with cars parked on either side and anywhere that a car can possibly fit. Even the tiniest space will have a car squeezed in to it, under trees, in front of fire hydrants, rubbish bins and even the car ferry ramp, when it's not in use.
We went down to the harbour at 8am when the supermarket opened. Boxes were piled high outside, crates upon crates of fruit and vege. All waiting to be put away inside. The staff couldn't fill the shelves fast enough.
We got what we wanted and got out.
Up in the hills there was peace and quiet
There's a road block and only residents like us are allowed in
The pine forests are tinder dry
As you've no doubt read there are horrendous fires raging in different parts of Greece, all fanned by high winds.
15th..morning news
The fires are slowly coming under control.
Celebratory meal in our houseLamb and potatoes
Overnight in the slowcooker
With garlic, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, wine and bone broth
Today is an important name day For those named Mary, Maria, Panayiota (female) Panagiotis (male)
And any other name related to the Virgin Mary. There are many.
We will be celebrating with the extended family tomorrow.
Today is Friday and although it's an important feast day Friday is a day of fasting. So although we will be eating our lamb today many in the family will not be eating meat or animal products.
Some in the family have been fasting for the last 14 days. Again, not us.
Tomorrow we will all be dining together, eating lamb chops and pork souvlaki
Happy feasting!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure my stomach can stand these feasts, any more. A little lamb and tzatziki and some plain ice tea. Little being the Big word
DeleteLamb, tzatziki with wine/G&T sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteYou must be a very disciplined eater. Unless everyone takes leftovers home with them you’d be ‘feasting’ for days to come
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time with the family
Another lovely reason to gather family and feast.
ReplyDeleteKali Panagia to you and your family! We have been fasting, and Romeo is becoming grumpy, haha. To appease the carnivore, I'm marinating the beef for fajitas (marinated and grilled beef strips, grilled onions and peppers, avocado, salsa in a flour tortilla). He seemed happy and is anticipating tomorrow's feast!
ReplyDeleteI had not planned on going to the service, but I forgot the parsley at church for the koliva for this weekend, so off I went! Currently cooking my wheat berries. Hopefully won't take as long as last time.
I love making koliva!
I have seen the horrific fires. It’s really scary as we are looking at a high fire ranger summer this year. The winter has been wet so lots of growth that will dry out quickly under our hot sun. A tiny spark can set it off.
ReplyDeleteHappy names day to all the Mary’s, Maria’s and everyone else
Yesterday my laptop informed me that it was 'International Susan, Sue, Susie, etc, Day'. No mention of Marys.
ReplyDeleteGood planning to have roadblocks leading to your living quarters. Tourists are spoiling things everywhere, it seems.
ReplyDelete