Discover Tinos

The custom of love takes place on Easter Monday. In Tinos, however, other Easter customs precede Holy Week. On Holy Saturday morning, at the time of the first resurrection, lemon leaves are scattered around the church and those attending the service try to get hold of one. In the evening, at the time of the resurrection, the famous tribunes, the old traditional weapons of Tinos, ring out alongside bells and torches.

The custom of the Agapi, however, is one of the best known and most popular customs on the island. On Easter Monday, after the end of the Divine Liturgy, something happens in Ktikados that... brings all the locals of the village together! When the bell rings in the temple of Ypapanti, everyone gathers on the common bench and those who have quarrelled during the year sit next to each other and reconcile.

The Artichoke Festival was established in 2005 and has been held every year since then at the beginning of summer. The products of Tinos are of high quality and rich in flavour and are used by the locals in the best possible way. During this festival, the women of Komi procure the best local artichokes and cook all kinds of recipes to impress all visitors to the festival. Of course, there is no shortage of festivities and traditional music, which is why the number of visitors is impressive every year.

It is the island's greatest festival, because it is a double festival! On August 15, the island celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the anniversary of the torpedoing of the ship "Elli". Warships and the navy band have been preparing the locals for this important festival since the day before. The celebrations reach their climax in the evening, when the Chora is illuminated and its beautiful decorations are highlighted for the next day.

On August 15, ceremonial cannon shots are fired at the site where the ship "Elli" sank, followed by the procession of the Holy Icon. Every summer, numerous believers from all over the world come to Tinos to venerate this image. A custom that evokes great emotion and has shaped the island's identity, making it a point of reference for believers from all over the world.

The festivals are another special feature of Tinos. The strong religious feeling on the island creates many occasions for traditional festivals that are enjoyed by all, regardless of age.

There are festivals where, in addition to food and wine, delicious local products are offered, such as the chickpeas of Agia Varvara or the smoked sardines of Ktikados. The festivals usually last until the morning and are accompanied by a wonderful orchestra with island instruments and many traditional dances

What do you drink on Tinos? Great, traditional raki! What do they call the raki of Tinos? Rakizio! In September there is a big festival in Falatado to celebrate the distillation. What does this festival involve? Extensive consumption of raki, with dancing until the morning! The name of the liquor, rakizio, comes from the traditional production method used by the locals.