The week following Easter is called 'enia' or 'nia', meaning 'new', and the days are called accordingly 'New Monday', 'New Tuesday', etc. It is a very holy time and many events take place.
On Easter Monday processions take place throughout the island. Early in the morning, after the services, each church brings out its standard and its Cross. The standard is especially tall and heavy, and is carried by the strongest young man, who regards the duty as a great honour.
In Lefkimmi, the Church of the Annunciation at Potami sets out first, and, passing through each parish, leads the others into the procession. They join to form a huge parade which heads for the river. When two churches meet, 'maskoulas' (home-made bombs) are thrown. They are made from metal pipes filled with gunpowder and sealed at the end with corn or wood, leaving a small hole for the fuse. The competition for the most powerful 'bomb' is dangerous, and you should keep your distance. The churches south of the river begin their parade with the church of Agios Isavros in Melikia leading the way, following a route corresponding to the other procession, and the two parades meet at the river bridge, where they say communal prayers. After the processions, the people go home to roast their pascal lamb.
In Paxos the same procedure is followed, with the difference that the main icon of each church is placed in another church for a period of time, during which daily prayer services are held. Specifically, the icon of the Virgin leaves the island opposite Gaios and goes to Velianitika for twenty days. The icons of Agios Haralambos and Eleousa leave Gaios and go to Bogdanatika for a week. Finally, the icon of Ypapanti goes to Lakka, where it stays until the celebration of Zoodohou Pigis, whereafter it continues to Loggos and Magazia before returning to its own church.
On Easter Tuesday at five in the afternoon, at the Church of Saint Spiridon, the Saint is returned to his casket, in a ceremony known as the 'basmata'.
On the Friday after Easter the celebration of the Source of Life (Zoodohos Pigi) occurs, and festivals take place all over the island, the most impressive being that of Palaiokastritsa, while particularly lively celebrations go on in Kato Korakiana, Dassia and Chlomos.
On the Sunday after Easter, Saint Thomas' Day there is a procession and dancing at Episkepsis and a festival at Sidari.