Agios Nikolaos municipality hosts two-day Dormition celebrations in Neapoli
The Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, in cooperation with the Neapoli Municipal Community, will hold two days of religious and cultural events in Neapoli on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, 2026, to mark the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin (Dekapentavgoustos).
According to the municipality, the program combines religious services at the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Great Panagia with cultural and sporting events in Neapoli, described as the historic center of the municipality.
Friday, August 14
The schedule includes the Great Archieratic Vespers with the Praises of the Most Holy Theotokos at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Paraklesis Canon and Chairetismoi for the Dormition of the Theotokos at 10:15 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., a cross-country race called “Descent of the Holy Cross” will take place. The day concludes with a traditional Cretan feast in Neapoli’s central square, featuring a band led by Giorgos Glykolalos.
Saturday, August 15
Matins and a Festive Pan-hierarchical Divine Liturgy will begin at 7:00 a.m., followed by a procession of the icon of the Great Panagia. A post-festive Vespers service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
In the afternoon, at 6:00 p.m., the municipality will hold the traditional “Drireia” sporting event, comprising a 10-km run and a 21-km cycling route. The finish time is set at 7:45 p.m., when winners will be announced. According to the organizers, athletes will compete in age categories of 15-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and above. Registration is available at atpro.gr/drireia/.
The day’s events conclude with a traditional feast in Neapoli’s central square, featuring a band led by Nektarios Samolis.
The municipality said entry to all cultural and sporting activities is free. Those interested in participating in the sporting events or seeking further information can contact the organizers at 6979923036 or 28410-89513.
The events are organized by the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos and the Neapoli Municipal Community, co-organized with the Region of Crete and the “Dryros” Cycling Club.
