Panagia Tsambika Festival

Panagia Tsambika Festival

Panagia Tsambika Festival is an annual religious festival held in honor of the Virgin Mary at the monastery of Tsambika which is only 750 metres from our buautiful house on Rhodes island, Greece.

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Tsambika celebrates its feast day on September 8 to honor the Nativity of the Theotokos (Virgin). The feast starts on the 7th of September and lasts for 10 days. It includes traditional dances and homemade delicacies made by the women of the nearby village of Archangelos. The Holy Icon of the Virgin is believed to be miraculous and the Monastery is visited by thousands of couples from all over the world each year who have struggled to conceive. Moreover, thousands of people from all parts of Greece come here to worship the icon and receive its blessing. This feast is one of the three most important feasts on Rhodes and is worth it to get to know the customs of the island and try delicious local food.

The monastery of Tsambika is located on a hill overlooking the sea, and it is believed to have been founded in the 9th century. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and it is home to a miraculous icon of the Panagia Tsambika, which is believed to have healing powers. The festival has been celebrated for centuries and it is an important event for the local community.

The festival includes a range of events and activities, including:

• Religious services: The festival begins with a religious service at the monastery, where the Panagia Tsambika icon is displayed and worshipped. The service is conducted by the local priests and it is attended by thousands of visitors from around the island.
• Traditional dancing: The festival features traditional Greek dancing, with dancers dressed in traditional costumes and accompanied by live music. The dancing takes place in the courtyard of the monastery, and visitors are invited to participate.
• Food and drink: The festival includes a variety of food and drink stalls, offering traditional Greek cuisine and refreshments. Visitors can sample local specialties, such as souvlaki, tzatziki, and moussaka, as well as local wine and beer.
• Souvenir stalls: The festival also features souvenir stalls, selling a range of items, such as religious icons, traditional clothing, and local crafts.