Easter Saturday: the night of the balloons
During Eastertime in Leonidio devoutness and excitement go hand in hand, thanks to the spectacular custom of the balloons that is more than one century old. Although its origin is unknown, it is believed that the custom is a revival of a similar one that the seamen of the area had seen practiced in some Asian country.
It all boils down to the competition among the five parishes of the village. For six weeks until Easter, after every Friday evening’s service, the kids raise money to make as many balloons as possible. It is estimated that every Easter Saturday night five to six hundred balloons fill the sky with their sparkling light, and that is about one balloon per house.
http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/culture/easter_saturday_the_night_of_the_balloons_
