Nisyros Info

The Festival of Panagia Spiliani on August 15th is the biggest tradition of the Island. At the end of Vespers Mass there is a dirge sung that reminds you of the Holy Week and especially Good Friday. The Nisyrians have composed their own Egomia (praises) for the festival. After Vespers Mass a dinner appropriate for Lent is offered and traditional loukoumades (doughnuts). At Matins Mass the Virgin Mary Kolivo (boiled wheat offered with funerals) is offered accompanied by lamentation songs (known as Moirologia) from the women called Enniameritisses,

who have brought the ingredients for the Kolivo. Enniameritisses are women who have vowed to spend 9 days and nights praying in the cells of the monastery, helping out in cleaning and preparing the monastery during the festival. When Mass is over the Kolivo and the image of Virgin Mary are moved to the monastery’s dining room escorted by the celebrators from the Abbey where lunch is served. After lunch each pilgrim embraces the miraculous image of Virgin Mary, receives koliva from the priest and leaves money donation for the meal.