Join us for a dual event in Argyroupoli. Argyroupoli, known in antiquity as Lappa, is an ancient center of culture just 27 kilometers southwest of the town of Rethymno. Separated into an upper and lower village, the more modern part (Venetian), and that from Mycenaean and Roman times being semi-distinct from one another. Owing to its history, Argyroupoli is obviously architecturally diverse, and this reflects a bit in the culture of the place too. Both upper and lower areas are well preserved and visitors will be immediately taken by the Venetian mansions and villas here, not to mention the few Minoan and extensive Roman ruins of the area.
Thursday the 5th of April
The Cultural Association of Argyroupoli, the Parish of Argyroupoli Rethymno in collaboration with the Cretan Gastronomy Center, the Municipality of Rethymno and Travel Massive - Chapter Crete invite you to participate at a brainstorming event on Cultural Tourism Development and Promotion,
“Traditions as a tool for Urban Economic Development”.
Guests are invited to participate in the conversation while you will also have the chance to sample the regional products and learn about the traditions and customs of the area.
The talks will focus on cultural tourism development and promotion. Some of the themes include:
“The Case of Enagron Ecotourism Village,” presented by Anastasia Chatziioannou, Project Manager at EyeWide Digital Marketing Agency
“Linking Tourism Consumption to Domestic Products,” presented by Dr. Hatzimarinakis Stavros from the Laboratory of Research and Tourism Satellite Accounts (LaReTSA), University of Patras.
“Cultural Appeal: How to Dazzle Travelers with Heritage Values,” by Mihaela Lica Butler, Award-winning travel writer, Founder and Principal Partner at Pamil Visions Travel PR
“Experiential Tourism in Rural Areas: Sustainable Tourism Products that Amaze the Travelers and Benefit the Community,” presented by Anula Galewska, Business Manager at Urban Adventures and a Co-Founder of Travindy sustainable tourism news portal.
The following day, Good Friday the 6th of April
Come and celebrate together the unique, traditional, Easter customs of Argyroupoli.
The candles of Good Friday.
This is a custom that began several years ago when Argyroupoli did not have electricity and municipal lighting. The locals to honor the dead Jesus, but also to enlighten the path followed by the shepherd's litany created "candles" (torches of reeds & starvils) which they lit and carried on their shoulders.
Each "firebrand" can reach up to 6 meters in length and is held by 3 or more people. The construction of the "candles" is done by young locals several days before Good Friday by gathering reeds and starvils from the village and the surrounding area. The "candles" are prepared early in the afternoon of Good Friday in St. John's Square and just before the litany begins.
The epitaph lights up and heads the litany creating an atmosphere which travels, those who attend, back in time.
Fasting on Good Friday
The word fasting in Greek (νηστεία) has the same meaning as in English. Fast, from the old Anglo-Saxon word meaning to abstain (steadfast, meaning "firm in fasting" is derived from the same word), is to deliberately go without food. Great Lent officially begins on Clean Monday, seven weeks before Pascha (Ash Wednesday is not observed in Eastern Christianity) and runs for 40 continuous days, concluding with the Presanctified Liturgy on Friday of the Sixth Week. The next day is called Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday. Fasting continues throughout the following week, known as Passion Week or Holy Week, and does not end until after the Pasha Day (Easter Sunday).
Indeed, the low consumption of foods of animal origin that characterizes the Cretan Diet, is largely due to the fact that the Cretans followed the fasting of the Greek Orthodox Church.
But like most practices rooted in Christianity, the way people observe Lent, or whether they observe it at all, varies wildly depending on their heritage, specific religious tradition, and preferences. And, increasingly, even non-religious people are picking up the ritual for many personal or health reasons.
For one more year, the Cultural Association of Argyroupoli, the Parish of Argyroupoli, Rethymno in collaboration with the Cretan Gastronomy Center, the Municipality of Rethymno and Travel Massive - Chapter Crete will offer, after the completion of the procession of the Epitaph and the mass of Good Friday (around 22:30 PM), delicious traditional feasting Cretan dishes, prepared by the village women under the guidance of professional Chefs and the Cretan Center of Gastronomy.
So come along to experience a mystical tradition and savor the local home-cooked delights.
