The custom of Klidonas
Every summer, shortly before or after Saint John’s Day, which falls on 24 June, you will experience one of the most beautiful traditional celebrations of Argos Orestiko: Klidonas, a custom that is said to reveal to young women the name of their future husband. According to tradition, a small branch is decorated with fruits and flowers and placed in a copper jug. Young women toss coins into it, making their wishes before it is hidden in a field and retrieved the next day. The following morning, a vibrant ceremony filled with colour begins, with dances and songs led by a girl holding the Klidonas and two children aged 10–12 dressed as the “bride and groom.” The procession moves between fountains and squares, where wishes are shared and the atmosphere is filled with music and joy. Toward the end, the fruits of Klidonas are distributed to everyone as a blessing of good luck and abundance. It is a custom rich in colour and symbolism which, thanks to local cultural associations, continues to live on to this day.