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Leros is an island paradise with lush vegetation and rolling hills covered in pines, oaks, and diverse flora. This dream-like setting is completed by deep and sheltered coves around small beaches, picturesque villages with traditional architecture, and several historical monuments that reflect the island’s long history. The panigyri is one of the most popular social and religious events on Leros, attended by all. There’s the panigyri of Ayia Marina on July 16-17, Panayia Kastrou—the island’s patron-saint—at Platanos on August 14-15, and Ayios Fanourios at Xerokambos on August 26. Observances and festivities are held throughout the island on Easter, although the most elaborate rituals are those at Platanos. On Holy Wednesday, roads leading to Platanos are strewn with palm leaves, marking the spot where the epitaphios (funerary procession) from the churches of Evangelismos, Ayia Paraskevi, and Christos converge. On Good Friday, these candlelit processions arrive at Platanos and the tallest, strongest males hoist them as high as they can: the one lifted higher is considered the “winner”. Each procession then returns to its church, followed by flares and fireworks. On first anastasi (resurrection) service on the morning of Good Saturday sets off the first round of noisemakers—and the din is such that Platanos’s main square is cordoned off for an hour until it dies down. That evening, the resurrection or anastasi at midnight is followed by pandemonium, with dynamite explosions in the mountains like they do on Kalymnos. The feast of Ayia Kyriaki is observed in June with church services at the islet of Ayia Kyriaki just off the coast at Panteli. Alonari, the Threshers’ Festival, at the Gourna beachfront in late July is one of the biggest events on the island. Held near the traditional threshing floor in the area, it features a reenactment of its operation, with wheat crushed by a wheel pulled by a horse cart. This is followed by singing and dancing led by the thresher and his family. The Trawler Festival in September at Panteli highlights the island’s fishing tradition. Guests are served fish and wine in the main square, where there is live music and dancing.
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