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Leipsoi or Lipso is a tranquil island, with a landscape and people who inspire serenity. Locals claim it as the island where Calypso seduced Odysseus on his sail back to Ithaca. The island hosts a number of religious folk festivals. Pilgrims from Patmos, Leros, and other nearby islands join the observance of the Apodosis of the Theotokos on August 23 at Panayia Harou, where they are treated to grapes and sweets. The icon of the Panayia—a rare depiction of the Virgin Mary cradling a crucified rather than infant Christ—is taken out in procession. The church is name is also unusual, as haros is Greek for ‘death. In local lore, the name stems from an association between the crucifixion and death. The monastery is located about a kilometer from the main village and, like the icon, dates from around 1600 when it was founded by two monks from Patmos. From 1943 to date, the miraculous icon has been adorned by two lilies of the Panayia, which are placed by the icon in spring; these dry up but then blossom again on the feast day. The most important event on the island is the annual Wine Festival held in August as wine is the island’s main product and exported to Santorini and Samos. The klidonas is another important observance on Leipsoi and is held on the feast of Ioannis Thermastis. As per local custom, locals light bonfires, young women fetch the so-called silent water from the main square, and a communal feast with music and dancing follows.
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Επιμελητήριο Κυκλάδων Επιμελητήριο Δωδεκανήσου
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