One of the most stunning Epitaphios processions in Greece takes place in the small Cretan village of Marmaketo, in the Lasithi region, where the bier is adorned exclusively with wildflowers, mostly wild orchids. Although this is a tradition with roots lost in time, today it is preserved by just one family as the village is almost deserted, with only 10 residents remaining. Irini and Manolis are the ones dedicated to preserving the custom, meticulously collecting the (thousands of) wildflowers.
But the tradition doesn’t end there. The delicate blossoms, known as “Easter violets,” are hung on wires, in anticipation of a miracle. On May 8th, the feast day of the village’s patron saint, Saint John the Theologian, visitors from all over Crete gather to witness with their own eyes the rebirth of the flowers and to take a piece of the ‘miracle’ home with them
Elissavet Laloudaki was born in Athens, Greece. She studied Literature in Greece and France, piano and theater. She worked as a journalist for greek and international magazines (Geo, National Geographic etc). Since 2009 she is a documentary filmaker.
Massimo Pizzocaro was born in Milan, Italy. He studied Photography in Istituto Europeo di Design (Milan). He has 40 years of experience as a photographer (fashion, commercial, travel). Since 2009 he is a documentary filmaker.
Elisavet’s and Massimo’s films were screened in Greek and international festivals, in TV stations, in cinemas and film clubs.
Leave a comment
Comments
