Feast of Prophet EliasΠανηγύρι Προφήτη Ηλία

The Feast of Prophet Elias is a village panigyri held on July 20 at the seaside chapel of Prophet Elias in Kioni (Ithaca). On this day, residents travel by boat or path to the small rockbound church for the evening liturgy 1. After the service, a festive celebration takes place on the beach with music, local foods, and wine. The official Ithaca tourism site notes that after the liturgy, the panigyri is organized by the seaside and lasts until sunrise, with an orchestra playing by the water’s edge 2. Locals and visiting relatives dance on the pebbles, creating a unique blend of maritime tradition and religious devotion.

Prophet Elias is traditionally venerated in high places or atop hills; the chapel in Kioni is an unusual seaside site. The festival honors the Prophet as a summer saint (aligned with abundant sun). It is part of the local pattern of honoring patron saints in each village. The Kioni feast reflects Ithacan hospitality – people of all villages gather with their families and boats to join the celebration, reinforcing community bonds and a shared sense of island summer life.