Festival of Saint Matrona

One of the most popular festivals on the island takes place on October 20 at the church of Saint (Agia) Matrona Chiopolitissa in the settlement of Finikia. The church is adorned with palm fronds from the previous festival, and there is a procession with the saint's icon through the village lanes, which have been strewn with rosemary and pelargonium. The food includes traditional cod with onion, oil and boiled potatoes, as well as a special rice dish and meat baked in a wood oven. There is always dancing in the squares around the church, which are filled with locals and visitors.