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The Creation of Santorini

Did you know that the initial shape of Santorini was
circular and was about twice the size?
That is why it was called Strongili (meaning circular in greek).

The island’s shape was constantly changing due to strong earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The first major volcanic eruption occurred about 25,000 years ago, sinking almost half of the island and creating the famous Caldera.

In 1,613 BC. the volcano woke up again, destroying further Santorini and its surrounding islands. This is the largest volcanic eruption humanity has ever experienced.
Waves of 30 meters height swept the coasts of Cyclades and Northern Crete, and it is speculated that this caused the decline of the famous Minoan civilization.
Within three days, 60 cubic kilometers of stone were released into the atmosphere, this volume is equal to 64 million houses. The amount of volcanic gas that was accumulated in the atmosphere had caused the average annual temperature of the planet to drop by up to four degrees Celsius for two years. The explosion sank a quarter of the island, breaking it into 3 pieces. Santorini, Thirasia and Aspronisi. A thick layer of ash covered the whole island, extending the east coast up to 2 km.

It is speculated that Santorini hosted more than 30,000 inhabitants. In the prehistoric city of Akrotiri
excavations and findings testify that the inhabitants of Santorini left the city on time, as it seems that there
have been warning earthquakes. Tons of pumice covered the city for centuries.

In 46 BC. lava rose again from the depths of the sea creating the volcanic islands we see today. In the last
150 years the size of ​​Nea Kameni volcanic island has tripled. The last lava flow occurred in 1950 A.D.

Religious feasts & festivals

 


• July 1st
The feast day of Agioi Anargyroi is celebrated in Megalochori village.

• July 20th
The feast day of Prophet Ilias is celebrated in Fira and Imerovigli villages.

• July 22nd
The deast day of Agia Markela is celabrated in Akrotiri village at night.

• July 25th
The feast day of Agia Anni is celebrated in Vothonos village.

• July 27th
The feast day of Agios Panteleimon is celebrated in Vourvoulos village.

• August 4th
The feast day of the Holy Seven Children is celebrated in Finikia village.

• August 6th
The feast day of the Transfiguration of Christ is celebrated in Pyrgos, Akrotiri, and Fira villages.

• August 14th
The feast of Panagia at Akrotiri village at night


• August 15th
The feast day of the Diocese of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in Akrotiri, Firostefani, and most villages of Santorini. The biggest celebration in Santorini for the feast day of the Holy Virgin is held in the church of Panagia Episkopi. Preparations start one day before, with traditional food and local wine being distributed to the people.

• August 29th
The feast day of Agios Ioannis is celebrated in Monolithos village.

• August 31st
The feast day of Agia Zoni is celebrated in Kamari village.

• September 14th
The feast day of the Holy Cross is celebrated in Perissa village, in the Holy cross church.

• September 20th
The feast day of Agios Efstathios is celebrated in Kontohori village.

• September 24th
The feast day of Mary Myrtidiotissa is celebrated in Kamari village.

• October 19th
The feast day of Agia Matrona at Finikia village


• October 20th
On 20th October the feast day of Agios Gerasimos is celebrated in Firostefani village.

• October 22nd
The feast day of Agios Averkios, the patron of wine is celebrated in Emporio village.

• October 26th
The feast day of Agios Dimitrios is celebrated in Messaria village.

• November 1st
The feast day of Agioi Anargyroi is celebrated in Messaria village.

• November 11th
The feast day of Agios Minas is celebrated in Fira village in the church of Agios Minas.