CHURCHES AND FESTIVALS
After the defeat of the worship of the Twelve Olympian Gods and Goddesses somewhere between 350 to 400 AD Christianity was imposed and prevailed on the island. This can be observed in the ruins of dozens of Christian temples that are scattered all over Astypalea.The Castle of Ai Giannis is said to have been built at that time or a little later .
There are also many churches scattered around the island. Tradition says that they are as many as the days of the year.
There are two Monasteries dedicated to Virgin Mary. The Monastery of Portaitissa where there is a celebration on the 15th of August in the Chora of Astypalea and the monastery of Flevariotissa, remote but very beautiful, where there is a celebration on the 2nd of February.
The festivals that take place on the island are many. On the eve of a holiday and after the evening service at church is over a big feast with traditional local songs begins. Both local people and tourists participate. Such festivals are:
a / The festival of Portaitissa, August 15th
b / The festival of Flevariotissa, February 2nd
c / The festival of Panagia Poulariani, September 8th
d / The festival of the Savior Christ, August 6th
e / The festival of Agios Dimitrios in Maltezana-Analipsi
f / The festival of Agios Panteleimon, July 27th
g / The festival of Agios Ioannis Makris, August 29th
What is noteworthy about the festivals of Panagia Portaitissa, Panagia Flevariotissa and Agios Dimitrios, is that during the feast that takes place on the eve and after the evening church service, local delicacies are offered free of charge to everyone present. These are:
a / Lamprianos (stuffed lamb roasted in the oven)
b / Giaprakia (local name for dolmades with vine leaves)
c / Local cheese called “chlori”
d / meatballs, salads, plenty of wine and partying until the next morning.
In some other festivals there is also all night celebrations and meals which, however, you pay for because these are made by professional chefs.