On Lazarosavato (Lazarus Saturday), we commemorate Christ's Resurrection of His friend, Lazarus.

Cretans honour the occasion by crafting special buns known as lazarakia. These small fasting bread rolls are shaped like a man, reflecting the depiction of Lazarus in religious iconography. Housewives lovingly prepare these buns, offering them as a gesture of remembrance on this solemn day.

In the village of Anogia, a unique tradition known as ‘Lazarus of Anogia’ persists to this day. Here, housewives craft a special bread adorned with a cross of dough, fragrant herbs, and flowers on its surface.

Additionally, they inscribe the name or initials of their departed loved ones.

On Lazarus Saturday morning, the bread is taken to the church, where the priest cuts it into pieces and distributes it to the faithful, symbolising the communion between the living and the departed.

Lena Igoumenaki

President of the Cretan Cuisine Festival Association