August brings the sheaves of corn,
Then the harvest home is borne.
Here on Skopelos, the tourist season is in full swing, reaching its peak on August 15 , which is the third most important religious holiday in Greece after Easter and Christmas. Everyone goes home for the Festival of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and all the businesses will be closed on that day (August 15). The entire rest of the country is virtually shut down as the Greeks head for the islands and everyone takes advantage of the long weekend to rest or to light a candle for Panagia (the Virgin Mary) who's ascent to the heavens is commemorated during this day.
August is the most crowded and most expensive month across the whole of Greece. The weather is very hot (with temperatures reaching 100 F / 37.8 C on some days), the beaches crowded and the festivals in full swing.
Ferries and flights are also very crowded and the transportation can seem to get jammed around August 15. Don’t expect to be able to book a room or a flight/ferry at the last minute, so make sure to book well in advance.
Public holidays in August:
Assumption of the Virgin Mary |
15 August |
MANY YEARS! XRONIA POLLA! MANY YEARS! XRONIA POLLA!
NAME DAYS THIS MONTH ARE:
(Where it is known, the meaning of the name is given in brackets)
August 8 Triandafillos (rose)
August 9 Matthias, Psois
August 10 Agapitos (love)
August 12 Fotios (flame)
August 15 Panagiotis (all saints), Despoina (miss), Maria, Panagiota (all saints)
August 16 Alkibiadis, Apostolos, Inaxos
August 20 Axilleus
August 21 Thaddaios
August 30 Alexandros