Annual Events on Hydra Island Greece
Epiphany
Greek Orthodox service celebrated throughout Greece. The sea is blessed and Hydra's youngsters dive in to retrieve the cross regardless of the weather.
Independence Day
The triumph of the Greek War of Independence is always patriotically celebrated by Hydriots especially as so many of their ancestors were the driving force of the revolution.
Tsiknopempti
The last Thursday when meat can be eaten before Pascha Lent. It is a day of impromptu street BBQ's and families doing the same at home!
Carnival
An islandwide fancy dress party including a walk from Hydra town to Kamini with a parade, music, dancing, food and drink at the end back in Hydra Harbour.
Clean Monday
The first day of Lent. Traditional Lenten food is especially prepared and eaten even by those who don't observe the rest of Lent. It is also a day when homemade kites are flown.
Hydra's Trail Event
Always the first weekend of April. 5 different endurance running courses across the island with international and amateur competitors.
Greek Orthodox Pascha
The dates vary each year. The Western Easter and Orthodox Pascha Sundays only coincide every four years. This is a massive event on Hydra with packed hotels and restaurants booked well in advance.
May Day
This is the day when Hydriots decorate their shops and homes with flower wreaths. National Bank Holiday. It's also known as 'Labour Day'. Avoid travelling on the 1st May as often there are transport strikes!
Miaoulia Festival
Always in June. This is 10 day festival culminating on the weekend closest to the 24th June, with a massive firework display and reenactment of the sinking of the Ottoman flagship during the Greek War of Independence.
Assumption Day
Always 15th August. National Greek Orthodox religious observation. On Hydra it is also the 'name day' of the cathedral church 'The Assumption of the Virgin Mary'. Part of the evening services include a street 'crucession'.
Ochi Day
National Bank Holiday. To celebrate when the Greeks said OCHI (NO) to Mussolini during WWII.
Patron Saint's Day
Hydra's Patron St. Day (Ag. Konstandinos). Always 13th-15th November (with main procession from Ag. Konstandinos to the Hydra Cathedral on the 14th)
Swim/Run Hydra
Launched in 2017, the SwimRun event is a gruelling challenge with teams from all over the world. Spectators line the routes to especially support our brave Hydriot teams.
Yacht Races
The summer season is opened and closed with yacht races between Piraeus and Hydra. The first is in March and the last in October.
Hydrama Theatre & Arts Summer Performances
The students attending the summer courses at the Hydrama Centre in Vlychos hold weekly performances of their course productions in July and August. Normally on Thursdays, the public is invited free of charge as an audience.
Santa's Visits to Hydra
This is a hugely popular event for Hydra's children. Santa's visit is coordinated by the Ydragogo Charity and KEDY, timed to coincide with the end of the school term. There's also a Christmas Bazaar
Coming Soon!
Christmas & New Year
The festive season on Hydra is far less commercialised and much more of a family affair than elsewhere in the world. Some restaurants and hotels open with lots of Christmas atmosphere and fun.