EASTER AT PYRGOS
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EASTER AT PYRGOS *
In one of Crete’s most spectacular Easter traditions, the youth of Pyrgos Kissamou keep alive an explosive custom that has endured for nearly seven decades. On the night of Holy Saturday, just before the “Christ is Risen” hymn is chanted at the Church of Saint George, the village sky lights up with thousands of sparks in a fiery spectacle.
The tradition began in 1958, initiated by the village’s youth, and has since continued uninterrupted, turning the Resurrection celebration into a truly unique event.
Each year, the young people of Pyrgos gather on rooftops and in the streets surrounding the church, holding the characteristic syrmatakia—metal wires that, once lit, are spun vigorously and struck against the ground, producing blinding sparks that fill the sky.
The result is smoke, flames, and bursts of light in a scene that resembles a battlefield.
According to testimonies from older residents, the police used to appear for years in an attempt to stop the custom. However, not only did it survive, but it also became a symbol of local identity and community cohesion.
The flame of the tradition continues to inspire the younger generation, who take up the baton each year and respectfully revive the custom.
After the dazzling display, all participants come together for a group photo—a commemorative image that closes the night and seals the continuity of the tradition.
What follows is a selection of shots in colour from 2024 and 2025.
