A tradition introduced by refugees following the population exchange in 1922 continues to thrive a century later, in a village just 20 minutes from Heraklion.

In Agios Vlasis, descendants of refugees and local residents uphold the Lenten tradition unchanged, ensuring that younger generations can witness and carry it forward from one generation to the next!

On Good Friday, the women of the village prepare improvised lanterns by placing fine wire inside snails turned upside down. The children then take these snail lanterns and affix them with mud onto freshly painted walls or pots in all the alleys of the settlement, just before the Epitaph procession passes, as a tribute to Christ.

The tradition sometimes occurs on Lazarus Saturday, with children singing carols. In any case, the residents pool their efforts to ensure that a tradition that has endured for a century continues its journey through time in that place.

* The article appeared on Cretalive.