Sichna is an impressive and unique Byzantine custom that characterizes the celebration of the Epiphany in Litochoro of Pieria and is performed, almost continuously, for the last two centuries. These are basically banners with high masts, silver crosses and colorful flags, which the carriers carry in procession.
This customary event, which was not carried out in the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic and the measures imposed by the State to reduce cases, was included in the National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece, by decision of the competent minister, Lina Mendoni. constituting the first custom of Pieria that is included in this index.
Preparations by institutions and the municipal authority for the inclusion of the custom began amid a pandemic, with the mayor of Dion – Olympus Vangelis Geroliolios declaring to the Athenian / Macedonian News Agency that he was particularly satisfied and happy with the development. He stressed, however, that the specific custom “which is enshrined in the eternal as part of the intangible cultural heritage of the country, helps not only the culture, but also the promotion of Litochoro and the wider area of Olympus.”
According to the mayor, the custom “has strong roots in the past and we experience it and approach it with respect and joy every year, while it is a legacy for the new generations to come. It is the only custom in Pieria that is included in the National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece and shows us the way to proceed to the next ones “.
Many times, the sichna are tributes of guilds and families of sailors who participate, with a specific formality, in the sanctification of the waters and the celebration of the Lights in Litochoro. Each sign has a cross at the top, while to this day there are several crosses that go into the poles, 5-7 meters high, dating from 1840 to 1908.
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