Customs and Events
Rakintzo
It is the place of production of Raki (“rakovgalima”: raki-extraction).
“Rakovgalima” takes place around the last fortnight of October, a process of distilling in “kazania” (distilling pots) “strofylia” (grape pulp), the residue of wine making grape pressing techniques.
Every distilling “kazania” lasts for quite some time, giving the opportunity for a generous consumption of hot “raki” (straight from the distilling “kazani”), combined with music and dancing.
“Chirosfaghia” –
Pig Slaughtering
“Chirosfaghia” is a tradition not only in Naxos, but also in other islands of the Cyclades, like Andros…. The only difference is that “Chirosfaghia”, there, is a festivity on Saint Filippos Day.
At Filoti, and at other villages of Naxos, “Chirosfaghia” is an open festivity, with food and drink, dancing and singing, that takes place on the weekend of the “Prodigal Son” in communal spots.
The pigs are raised by one or more families or friends jointly, they are slaughtered ceremoniously, and are consumed by them.
Sausages and “glynero” are made from the pigs.
“Glynero” is made from pieces of fat, and is preserved in clay pots with a lot of salt, and is consumed mostly with an omelet, potatoes and a lot of wine.
This traditional event –as well as that of “Tsiknopempti” («Charred Thursday», the Grill Day of the Greek Carnival season)- is organized by the Athletic and Cultural Association of Filoti.
The Day of the “Plitheri”
“Plitheri” is the feast of the day of the Assumption of Christ, 50 days after Pascha (Eastern).
On this day, all the “mitata” (huts made mostly of local stone, used by shepherds for shelter and cheese making) open to the inhabitants of the Village, and is another opportunity for feasting.
In older times, the “mitata” were visited only by the children of the Village in groups, in order to get and bring back home “xinogala” (buttermilk).
On the same day, the shepherds “push” their animals into the sea to wash them.
Klidonas
It is celebrated in the evening of “Ai-Gianni” (Saint John’s), after the burning of the “Maydes” (sing.: Mays).
The feast is based on the “speechless” water, which the girls carry home from the spring in groups on the previous night.
Whichever name they hear first on their way home while carrying the water, this is the name of the boy they are meant to marry.
Into the pot, which is sealed on the same night, the girls have thrown a personal object, which only each one of them knows what it is.
The next evening, after the burning of the “Maydes”, Klidonas “opens”.
“Klidonas” opens accompanied by the song “…we open Klidona in the evening of Ai-Gianni…”, which is sung in chorus by everybody present.
Following that, a granny that assumes the special role, pulls one of the small items that have been put in the “kouveli” (hollow container), and sings a two-verse minute song.
The interested girl tries to decipher the song and guess her fate in love matters.
Cultural Events
The festivity of the Holy May on the 15th of August has been replaced, the last 40- 50 years, by the Dance of the Association of Filotites, that takes place on the 17th of August with local dances and songs.
The Association organizes every year a concert with famous artists.
The Local Athletic and Cultural Association organizes 3-day athletic events named “Milossia”.
Various organizers arrange for theatrical play performances, shadow puppet “Karaghiozis” presentations and/or other children’s shows.
Events –usually presentation of books—are organized, not necessarily in summer, by the “Anomeritis Library”.