The Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary will once again be celebrated with great reverence and splendour in 2025 at the Monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa.

The celebrations begin on Thursday, August 14th, with:

19:30 Vespers
20:30 Lamentations of the Virgin
Procession of the Epitaphios

On Friday, August 15th, the main day of the feast, the programme continues with:

07:00 Matins and Divine Liturgy

Throughout both days, visitors will have the chance to enjoy traditional mantinades, lovingly prepared by local volunteers under the guidance of Mrs. Theano Metaxa, keeping the island’s customs alive.

The Gouverniotissa Monastery hosts what may be the only festival in Crete where you can still find authentic mantinades made with the legendary draganti.

For those based in Heraklion, there will be a bus departing at 6 PM on August 14th from the Eleftherios Venizelos statue at Eleftherias Square, heading to Panagia Gouverniotissa. It's a perfect chance to attend the vespers and hymns, explore the monastery’s exhibitions, and enjoy a taste of sweet tradition.

The same bus will return to Heraklion after the celebrations.
Cost of transport: €14