15 August on Paros
(Feast of the Virgin Mary) Paros on 15 August: spectacular fireworks in Parikia turn night into day... A spectacle not to be missed!
The Ekatontapiliani church next to the port of Paros is particularly crowded on 15 August, as the entire island and hordes of tourists descend on Parikia. Navy ships also pay their respects to the religious ceremonies.
There is a procession of the Epitaph of the Virgin Mary along the coastal road of the traditional Parikia village. The celebrations climax in the evening, with a large festival featuring island music and a spectacular fireworks display from the fishing boats in the bay of Parikia that turns night into day! The feast lasts until the early hours of the morning, with traditional music, Parian wine and local delicacies.
It should be noted that the early Christian temple of Ekatontapiliani is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and devout Christians from all over Greece gather there on 15 August, to pay their respects to the icon of the Virgin of the Ekatontapiliani (17th century) and to participate in the festivities.