TRADITIONS
The Breaking Of The Red Eggs(Easter)
Hard boiled eggs painted red are handed around to friends and family everyone gets into pairs and one of the pair holds the egg in his fist and produces one end of the egg to his opponent who in turn brings down his own egg and hits the other egg. The egg that stays uncracked is the winner. The eggs are then reversed and the loser can try and gain a draw.
The Burning Of Judas(Easter)
On Easter Saturday at midnight Elounda village celebrates with the ritual burning of the traitor Judas Iscariot. This effigy takes the form from a stuffed dummy, fireworks are set off with a great midnight show. After the midnight celebration families and friends return to there homes and have ceremonial meal. This usually takes the form of a lamb dish.
The Church
The church has a powerful influence on the people of Elounda and you will see them often crossing themselves as they pass the church in the square and at religious festivals. Most Cretans are of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Kafenion
The Kafenion is the traditional meeting place for the old men of the village. They discuss everything from politics to the state of young people today. Most you will find nodding off outside the kafenion.
Spirit
We probably all know that the traditional Greek spirit is Ouzo, however people of Crete prefer to drink Raki. Raki is the same as Ouzo but without the aniseed and is a more powerful drink than its counterpart. When you visit Elounda and go for a meal you will no doubt at the end of your meal be offered Raki usually free. This is a wonderful way to end your meal you will feel it burn from your mouth all the way down. Served in very small glasses you will probably end up having one after the other.
The Breaking Of The Red Eggs(Easter)
Hard boiled eggs painted red are handed around to friends and family everyone gets into pairs and one of the pair holds the egg in his fist and produces one end of the egg to his opponent who in turn brings down his own egg and hits the other egg. The egg that stays uncracked is the winner. The eggs are then reversed and the loser can try and gain a draw.
The Burning Of Judas(Easter)
On Easter Saturday at midnight Elounda village celebrates with the ritual burning of the traitor Judas Iscariot. This effigy takes the form from a stuffed dummy, fireworks are set off with a great midnight show. After the midnight celebration families and friends return to there homes and have ceremonial meal. This usually takes the form of a lamb dish.
The Church
The church has a powerful influence on the people of Elounda and you will see them often crossing themselves as they pass the church in the square and at religious festivals. Most Cretans are of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Kafenion
The Kafenion is the traditional meeting place for the old men of the village. They discuss everything from politics to the state of young people today. Most you will find nodding off outside the kafenion.
Spirit
We probably all know that the traditional Greek spirit is Ouzo, however people of Crete prefer to drink Raki. Raki is the same as Ouzo but without the aniseed and is a more powerful drink than its counterpart. When you visit Elounda and go for a meal you will no doubt at the end of your meal be offered Raki usually free. This is a wonderful way to end your meal you will feel it burn from your mouth all the way down. Served in very small glasses you will probably end up having one after the other.
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