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The preparations for Easter on the island of Sifnos start some time before. The housewives (the so-called "Chiones" (snowwomen) because of their cleanliness) are dealing thoroughly with the freshening of their homes and the whitewashing of the courtyards, the joints and the streets in front of their house. Similarly, and the shops are prepared to accommodate the guests.

The liturgies of Holy Week create a solemn atmosphere in the churches and the monasteries of the island.
On Holy Thursday, the neighborhoods of its traditional settlements are full of the scent of the “Birds of Easter", the delicious traditional breads in various shapes of animals or
birds, which are decorated with red eggs, so to be ready for Easter. Later, in the same day, in the churches of the island, when the priest reads the 6th Gospel, according to a custom, the young men and women of each village go to light the candles to remote churches, and after this, they return to their parish to decorate the Epitaph with spring flowers.
On Good Friday, is a unique experience to follow any of the epitaphs of traditional settlements in the picturesque streets. In Artemonas, in the courtyard of St. Constantine (central square of Artemonas) are gathered all the Epitaphs of different parishes, Lady Kohi (Artemonas), Archangels (St. Luke) and Saint John (Ano Petali), while in the courtyard of Saint Stylianos in Arades are gathered the Epitaphs of the parishes churches of Agios Spyridon (Apollonia), St. Nicholas (Exambela) and St. George (Katavatis).
On Holy Saturday, the Resurrection is celebrated in a joyous manner throughout Sifnos. Here, the lamb is cooked in “matselo” on twigs, in the ovens of each village, from the afternoon of Holy Saturday until midnight and is delicious! From the table of the feast is not absent the local xinomyzithra and the delightful honey pie. On Easter Sunday we will witness the second Resurrection (Feast of Love) at the Monastery of Our Lady of Vrissiani (with the whole clergy of the island), in Virgin Mary of Kohi in Artemonas and in many churches and chapels of the island.
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday in the central square of Apollonia or Artemonas, we have the Burning of Judas, a dummy that is delivered to the flames after its wandering to the neighborhoods and its derision. An old custom revived in our days by the Cultural Association of Sifnos. Then, follows the Easter treat and local dance
presentations by the members of the dance groups of the Cultural Association, accompanied by “Takimi” (violin and lute).

In old times, in every village, from Shrove Tuesday to Easter, the people put wooden swings, on which the girls were sitting, while the boys were swinging them, saying verse poems. Today, it is continuing in some villages, the “Tsounia”, a game involving couples who are trying to knock down from a predetermined distance the nine wooden "Tsounia" using a wooden ball. It is a good opportunity for meeting, entertaining or courting for young people (mainly through their choice of teammates). Additionally, in the same area, there are makeshift cots ("Kounistries"), so the young men can swing their favorites.
Easter in Sifnos has its own color, flavor and taste... Enjoy it!


Accommodation
For your stay in Sifnos, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns.
In Sifnos island there are hotels and accommodations of various categories and types (rooms to let, residences, Bed & Breakfast inns, studios, hostels, guesthouses and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's demands and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.


Access
The distances are small and covered by the local buses and taxis so it is not necessary to have a car. If you want to move around independently you can rent a car or a motorbike in Sifnos.

There is regular transportation by bus for the most areas and beaches of the island.

During the summer Sifnos has a coastal link by ferry to Piraeus and Milos. Trip duration is 5 hours.
Also with Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Tinos, Syros, Folegandros, Sifnos, Santorini etc., Crete (directly or through Milos).
Daily coastal link by flying dolphin or catamaran to Piraeus, trip duration is 3 hours.
There are also daily excursions by boat or small ships towards the beaches of Sifnos and the neighboring islands are organized.

The nearest airports are in Milos and Paros. For emergencies there is a heliport near the Monastery of Panagia Vrisiani, on the south of Exabeli.

For your convenience, you can use the route map on the field “Routes” with information about the mileage, the time you need and the route you will follow, selecting the points of interest.

Articles

Accommodation in Sifnos island

For your stay in Sifnos, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns. In Apollonia as well as in ...

Location articles: Sifnos island

Articles, tributes and reviews for the location with useful information and suggestions...