“Fanarakia”, a bright night in Tenos!

Every year in Tenos on the 30th of January “Fanarakia” (lanterns) is celebrated. It is a celebration for the discovery of the Icon of Panagia of Tinos

Following a vision by Saint Pelagia the Holy Icon was discovered. The joyful news spread throughout the island and the Tenians started their way to Chora (harbour) to worship to Holy Icon. Night had fallen and the lanterns they held created a spectacular image, illuminating the route.

Since then, every such day, a torchlight procession called “Fanarakia” (translation: Lanterns) was established.

The main protagonists, schoolchildren, set off from their schools to meet the locals and the visitors in the courtyard of the Evangelistria Church each holding its own lantern!

The torchlight procession passes through the narrow streets of Chora and ends at the harbour where the fireworks from the anchored ships create a festive atmosphere. The night is truly “bright”.

At the end of the procession, tradition has it that the children destroy their lanterns until next year when they will make new ones!

In the old days, the children used to compete against each other to see who could make the most original and impressive lantern, using the same simple materials (wood, gelatin, flour paper).