Episkopi Festival

One of the most important festivals on the island -- well worth a visit on August 15 – occurs at the church of the Virgin Mary of Episkopi (Panagia tis Episkopis) in Episkopi Gonia. This 11th century Middle Byzantine church was built in honor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Kimisis tis Theotoku) by Emperor Alexios I, Komnenos (also written Alexius I, Comnenus). In the past it was the seat of the Orthodox, and later Roman Catholic, diocese. During the celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin and in particular, the night before the holiday, large pots of beans and traditional fava are cooked. On the day of the Dormition (August 15), a big celebration with music and dancing brings together locals and vacationers.