Customs in Karpathos.

• The Karpathian Wedding:
  Although its duration nowadays has been shortened
(it lasts 2-3 days whereas in the past it lasted 8 days), the karpathian wedding is one of the most important karpathian customs: the engagement, the preparations, the decoration of the karpathian house (“siasmata”)
for the wedding, the festivity before going to church “kathisto glenti”,
the wedding ceremony in church, the second day of the wedding (“antigamos”) are some of the customs which comprise what is called
the karpathian wedding.

• Yilles:
  It takes place in Aperi on Orthodox Sunday and this custom is dedicated
to the babies who were born the previous year as well as the newly married couples. On this day large bread decorated with walnuts and almonds is made and is called “yilla”.

• Efta (in greek seven):
  Seven days after a baby is born family and friends are gathered and girls sing particular traditional songs while swinging the baby. “Alevra” is made and offered to the guests- pastry made from flour, water, honey and butter.

• Piperi:
  On Lent Monday there is a big fest in Othos.
The local people dress up and follow a local custom called “Piperi”.
Plenty of food and wine is offered.

• Wine Festival in Lastos:
  Near Volada up on the mountain Lastos people are gathered to taste “Adam’s wine” as they call the wine the local families produce and celebrate the harvest of the year. Inseparable part of the celebration is the music
with lyra and laouto.

“Ikanto” in Menetes, “Manaeli” and “Katsounas” in Mesochori and Aperi, “Ikonismata” in Olympos and so many others are special customs of Karpathos.

Continue... Traditional Karpathian Products.