Cultural Heritage
Tradition blends seamlessly with religion and through dozens of celebrations and festivals organized throughout the year, becomes part of the daily life of both locals and visitors. Through various events and initiatives, different organizations keep the Skopelitian culture alive, while Skopelos’ traditional dances and costumes have left an indelible mark on Greek folklore. Over the years, love for their land, history and culture has continued unabated for Skopelitians.Thus, in its own unique way, each Skopelitian village promotes the island’s customs, rituals, and traditions.
The special festivals and events of Skopelos,where women wear traditional costumes, delight people from Greece and abroad. The outfit’s trademarks, namely the long silk dress, the vivid embroidery, the thin silk shirt, and the headdress decorated with golden coins, take visitors back to older days. Likewise, the island’s traditional Greek dances manage to exhilarate and excite people.
It is true that local celebrations and festivals never cease to amaze people. Among many, the festival in honor of St. Reginos, the patron saint of the island,on the 25th of February, is an important religious event for the entire island. On the day of commemoration, after the liturgy of St. Reginos, homemade delicacies such as Greek loukoumi (sweet jellies) and other delicious delights are offered. On June 24th, the feast of the Nunnery of Saint John the Baptist (Agios IoannisoProdromos), a few kilometers from the town of Skopelos, is celebrated. It is worth noting that the all-night vigil ritual is scrupulously observed the night before the feast, and food is offered. The same ritual is observed at the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ on August 6th(Metamorphosis Sotiros). On December 4th, during the feast of St. Barbara Monastery, fish “plaki”or codfish is given to the congregation.
In passing on culture and traditions to the next generations, the commitment of the Municipality of Skopelos to the organization of important events is deemed essential. Summer cultural events and activities culminate in the Feast of the Plum, during which the participants are offered roasted plums, wine as well as quality local products.
At the same time, at every stage, one can see evidence of the rich and powerful folklore of Skopelos.
In the Museums section, you can find more information about the SkopelosFolklore museums and other museums on the island.