Assumption Day on Hydra Island
Assumption Day is a Christian and Greek Orthodox Religious observation, which because it is of such significant importance to the Greeks, is also a National Bank Holiday allowing them to travel to be with family at this important occasion. The date is often referred to as a mini Easter due to the number of Greeks who travel back to their birth places to celebrate it with their family!
The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15. This is a joyful celebration because it commemorates Mary's reunion with Jesus in heaven. This event is known as the Assumption or Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
On Hydra, this is a particularly important day because the Hydra Cathedral Church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Throughout the day from early in the morning until late at night there are services conducted which are attended by the local congregation. In the evening, part of the service includes a procession led by the the Icon of the Virgin Mary through the town.