On November 3rd, Crete comes alive with numerous celebrations centered around wine. According to tradition, in many parts of the island, people open their barrels and taste the year’s first wine!

The festivities begin on the eve of the celebration, November 2nd, with the Vespers service held in the churches. In Gergeri, a village in the Municipality of Gortyna, this custom was honored once again in 2024. Crowds gathered for the celebrations, with local winemakers bringing their barrels and inviting everyone to taste their fresh wines.

The priests blessed the wines, similar to the blessing of the bread brought by the faithful. Saint George the Drunkard is the patron saint of the village, and this tradition is observed with devotion every year. In the churchyard, refreshments were offered to attendees.

It is worth noting that this celebration often includes music. Serenades are organized, and musicians playing the lyre and lute visit homes, while the wine flows freely. In other parts of the island, the procession of the icon is sometimes led by a rider on horseback!