The Kavalarides Custom
Serving as a living pathway to Siatista’s heritage, the Kavalarides (Horsemen) take to the streets every year on August 15 for the pilgrimage at Mikrokastro. Men, women, and children decorate their horses with embroidered textiles and flowers, dress in traditional costumes, and set off from Chora and Geraneia toward the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Mikrokastro. After the pilgrimage, the groups return to the town, where the squares are transformed into a grand celebration filled with brass bands, dancing, and impressive displays of horsemanship and skill. Born during the Ottoman era, this custom continues to this day as a symbol of faith, pride, and community spirit.
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