Mary as a model mother and daughter in the Quran, her role in Muslim communal unity, feminist readings and shared sites of devotion with Christians: Religious studies scholar Angeliki Ziaka and researcher Younous Mirza speak to To Vima

The feast day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is commemorated every Aug. 15 by the Orthodox Church, coinciding with the annual exodus in the country toward the islands, coasts and mountainous mainland

Ferry restrictions remain in force at Rafina and Lavrio as strong northerly winds disrupt sailings from Piraeus and across the Aegean

Church processions, communal meals and customs that differ from island to island define how the Feast of the Assumption is marked across the Dodecanese.

As the island prepares for the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, celebrations are centered on the Panagia Kanala shrine and a traditional reenactment of the discovery of its sacred icon.

The newly acquired frigate’s presence comes as Greece readies marks the Aug. 15 religious holiday, which carries a strong national significance

Buses, trolleybuses, Metro and trams will operate on modified schedules over the long holiday weekend, with less frequent services on most routes.

Police will increase patrols and traffic checks nationwide for the August 15 holiday, while trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons will face restrictions on major highways on August 14, 15 and 16.

Greece’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers only three long weekends and one four-day Easter break, with several major holidays falling on weekends resulting in a mixed outlook for workers, travelers and families planning time off

If you could capture Greek summer in a single day, August 15th would be it. From pilgrimage and prayer to village feasts and pride, it is Greece’s most celebrated day of summer.

Vacation period peaks on Aug. 15 which marks the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a national holiday for the Greek Orthodox.