The custom of Klidonas
Every summer, shortly before, shortly after, or Saint John’s Day, which occurs on June 24, you will experience one of the most beautiful traditional celebrations of Argos Orestiko: Klidonas, a custom that reveals to young women the name of their future husband. According to tradition, a small branch is being decorated with fruits and flowers and placed in a copper jug. Young women toss coins inside it, making their wishes before hiding it in a field and retrieving it the next day. The following morning, a unique ceremony bursting with color sets off with dances and songs, led by a girl holding the Klidonas and two children aged 10–12 dressed as the “bride and groom”. You will see them stop at village fountains and squares, sharing wishes and filling the area with music and cheer. Toward the end, the fruits of the Klidonas are being distributed to everybody, as a blessing for good luck and abundance. It is a custom full of color and divine symbolism which, thanks to the local cultural associations, continues to live on to this day.
