Neos Marmaras

Festivals and Celebrations

The main traditions and customs celebrated in the region of Neos Marmaras, are the following:

· During ‘Kathara Deftera’, the equivalent of ‘Mardi Gras’, Greeks gather together at the coast and taste local fresh seafood, fly kites and celebrate the beginning of the Easter season.

· On May 1st, Labour Day, residents of Neos Marmaras visit nearby areas in the mountain in order to barbeque and celebrate.

· During Easter, we follow traditional rites and taste Easter lamb on a skewer and delicious pastries, “tsourekia”.

· 50 days after Easter, we celebrate Pentecost. It is a 3-day celebration, from Saturday until Monday . The residents, most of them descendants of the first refugees from Asia Minor, organize events to reminisce about their Old Homeland, Marmaras at Propontida. Festivities conclude on Monday with the representation of a traditional wedding ceremony, dancing and singing.

· On July 27, the memory of Agios Panteleimonas, Patron Saint of the adjacent settlement, ‘Parthenonas’, is celebrated. As tradition requires, grilled meat and local delicacies are offered to locals and visitors alike.

· On August 29, we celebrate the memory of our patron saints, after which the church in Neos Marmaras is named, ‘Pammegistoi Taksiarxes, with festivities on the main square.

Sports Events

In May:

· Chalkidiki Rally Sprint

In July:

· International swimming marathon in the Τoroneos gulf in Nikiti

· Sithonia crossing (for athletes)

· International North Aegean Sailing Cup, hosted at Porto Carras (end of July)

November:

· Crossing over Dragoudelis (Itamos, Sithonia's main mountain),

December:

· Christmas Racing Cup , Sailing Cup