25 April 2022

Blessing of the sheep at ASI GONIA on Crete

On the day of Saint George (23 april) the mountain village of ASI GONIA (in the area of APOKORONAS) on Crete is transformed into one big celebration. Shepherds from the area all come down to the little village of ASI GONIA to have their sheep blessed.

A little church down the center is devoted to Saint George  of Galatas (used to be a shepherd) and becomes the center of the holy activities. The celebration dates as far as the Turkish and Venetian occupation.

The spectacle is impressive as up to 30.000 sheep can come down the little streets of the village, while priest do their blessings.

The sheep are then oriented and gathered for milking. The milk is served to the many visitors while being still warm, together with the locally produced Tsigoudia ( of cource ).

This event takes all day... and near the afternoon the people gather around the few pubs for drinks, souvlaki and Cretan rusk.