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| St. Gerasimos Church at Omala Valley, Kefalonia |
Kefalonia's significant holiday
October 20th is the most significant religious holiday for Kefalonia as the island honors its patron saint. The commemoration festivities for Saint Gerasimos are held over two days. Then, the Valley of Omala comes alive with the devout, the curious, and the last tourists before the season officially shuts down. Some seek a cure or a miracle; others use the occasion as a family outing to enjoy the festivities.
A matter of identity, beyond faith
Most Kefalonians have a peculiar relationship with their patron saint, sometimes contradictory to their everyday religious beliefs. It is a relationship that borders on familiarity and possession!
And tradition, of course.
And identity.
Besides, it is hard to find a family in Kefalonia without a member named Gerasimos.
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| St. Gerasimos Church, Kefalonia |
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| The Litany at Omala Valley, Kefalonia |
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| Marching bands head the procession at St. Gerasimos Litany (Omala, Kefalonia) |
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| Marching bands head the procession at St. Gerasimos Litany (Omala, Kefalonia) |
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| Marching bands head the procession at St. Gerasimos Litany (Omala, Kefalonia) |
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| The Convent grounds at St. Gerasimos, Kefalonia |
