Friends of Pelion,
From the late 17th century, the inhabitants of the surrounding mountain villages (Vizitsa, Pinakates, Argyraika, Milies) would come down on Ascension Day to take their first summer swim. To “be lifted themselves from all evils.” What was special, however, was that everyone came down along the coast with their horses and their domestic animals—goats and sheep—to be cleansed and enlightened by entering the seawater under the blessings of the village priest. Entire flocks belonging to shepherds, as well as the few animals each family owned, would descend to the shores of Kala Nera to receive the blessing.
Although many aspects of the custom faded over time, the riders of the wider area made sure to keep their annual appointment on this specific day of Ascension at Kala Nera. Participation grew so much year after year that the Blessing has now become an institution, taken on a ceremonial character, and attracts a large number of riders, carriages, and visitors—both Greek and foreign. Each year the photographs are increasingly impressive.
It is essentially a custom that has been revived, embraced, maintained, and continues dynamically thanks to the spontaneous participation of the free riders of the Pelion area and, more broadly, the regional unit of Magnesia; this is why the local community warmly welcomes their presence.
This custom is always celebrated on Ascension Day. It is a movable feast, dependent on Easter (40 days later) and always on a Thursday, usually in late May to early June. For those who wish to experience it up close, we offer accommodation: 2 nights + 1 free!
