Anastenaria-Firewalking

21 May 2012 - 23 May 2012
Place: Agia Eleni Serres

Anastenaria ‘Αναστενάρια’ is a tradition in Northern Greece that happens every year in order to celebrate the Saint Konstantinos and Holy Eleni at the 21st of May. The ceremony starts with the transport of the sacred icons from the church to the central square of the village.

On the afternoon of the first day participants light up the grill and start their Anastenaria ‘firewalking’. They are dancing in the sounds of the bagpipes, lyre, drums with bare feet over the burning coals while they hold icons.

On 22nd of May, the firewalking men/ Anastenarides pass through all the houses while people offer them food and wishes. The firewalking is repeated and the last day of the celebration at the 23th of May is announced the end of Anastenaria.