Easter in Peloponnese

TRIPOLI

On Easter Sunday the entire town of Tripoli is shrouded in smoke from the many fires which are lit one by one, starting on Saturday shortly after midnight, a scene which is best viewed from the Agios Theodoros Hill. The celebrations start in the morning of Easter Sunday with the participation of dance groups. Apart from the roast lamb, local wine, red eggs, ring-bread and appetizers are served.
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 2710 233241.

LEONIDIO

The most striking custom of the area is that on the night of the Resurrection the sky is filled with hot-air balloons released by the faithful of each parish.
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 27570 222214.

MONEMVASIA

Here attention is centered on the Church of Christ Bound (Elkomenos Christos), where all the services of the season are held. The procession of the "epitaphios" along the paved alleyways of the medieval town is a memorable sight.
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 27320 61222.

KALAMATA

In Kalamata a custom survives which stems from the liberation war of 1821, namely the game of "bouloukia".
The contestants, in traditional costumes and armed with pipes of rolled paper filled with gunpowder, engage in warfare in the Messiniakos (the local soccer team) stadium, with large crowds in attendance.
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 27210 23355, 27210 27317.