Klidonas Celebration with Fires and Dances in Athens

"Dionysian" scenes marked the celebration of Klidonas in various areas of Athens, featuring fires, zurnas, and dances.

Klidonas, an ancient folk custom, was celebrated on June 24, the eve of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. According to tradition, this custom reveals the identity of the future husband to unmarried girls.

In Plato's Academy, in Kolonos, Perperouna and the People's Assembly of the area organized an event with zurnas and percussion by the Athens Zurni Ensemble. After 10:00 PM, the zurnas set the rhythm, while shortly before 11:00 PM, the jumping over the fire began, a custom that symbolizes health and good luck. The celebration continued until the early morning hours.