Top Hydra Island Events
Moments worth celebrating in Hydra
Hydra’s festivals and events are many and varied throughout the year, ideal for people who have learned to acknowledge tradition, history and culture. With respect to the Greek tradition but also to the island’s artistic heritage, each event is an experience worth living again and again.
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Events & Festivals all year long
25th of March
The first Hydra festival inaugurating the opening of the tourist season is celebrated on March 25th which is also a national holiday in Greece with the regatta from Faliro to Hydra. The regatta is one of the greatest events taking place on the island as the sailing boats fill the port of Hydra with their multi colored flags welcoming the spring season.
Easter
Among celebration events in April is the majestic Orthodox Easter in Greece with outdoor processions on Good Friday and Saturday with people holding lit candles. A unique local custom to observe is the “Epitaph”, the procession of a Christ’s funeral bed filled with flowers that is immersed into the sea in Kamini beach in Hydra, Greece. A tradition said to be derived from an ancient local custom to protect sailors.
The Resurrection of Christ on Sunday is welcomed with the traditional lamb roasting on a pit in the gardens and completed with the burning of Juda at the port accompanied by spectacular fireworks. It is the perfect time for island excursions and walks around Hydra island.
May’s Events
The 1st of May is celebrated with island excursions all over Hydra island where locals and visitors alike pick wild flowers to make flower wreaths so as to welcome Spring. Nature is at its best and calendulas and chamomile flowers are everywhere.
Summer Island Excursions
As summer unfolds and you are wondering what to do in Hydra you are welcome to embark on a series of boat excursions all around Hydra island. A Boat ride in Hydra island is a favorite excursion to enjoy during your Hydra holidays.
Summer Festivals in Hydra
June – July – August
From the 22nd to the 25th of June, one of the most important Hydra island events among Hydra festivals taking place is Miaoulia: Usually the last weekend of June is dedicated to the commemoration of the war of Independence of Greece from the Ottoman Empire’s occupation.
The remake of a naval battle in the port of Hydra with the “bourlotto” (trapped ship full of dynamite that is set on fire) followed by great fireworks make this captivating spectacle at night on the port an unforgettable event.
Annual art exhibition of Deste Foundation that takes place in the old Slaughterhouse on the road to Mandraki beach.
August
If you are still wondering what to do in Hydra, the 15th of August is the date of the feast of Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin Mary which is celebrated with a beautiful procession. During the same week, the glorious past of Hydra is recreated once again through the Kountouriotea event after a famous Greek admiral of the fleet, and the arrival of a frigate from the Greek Marine adorning the Hydra port with glory.
August days are ideal for boat rides and excursions in Hydra island as well as guided tours and sightseeing in Hydra. For those who prefer the call of nature, boat rides and excursions in Hydra island are perfect opportunities to discover the island’s untouched natural wonders.
In August those who definitely seek culture can attend the many famous Greek plays held at the ancient Epidaurus Theater in Greece. Here one can view a classical drama by Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus scheduled by the Athens Festival.
September – October
The 28th of October is a national holiday in Greece celebrating Independence Day, commemorating the participation of Greece in World War II with parades by all students of Hydra island.
End of Season Events
The season in Hydra closes on October 28th with the same regatta as the one it started with.
