Greece – Pelion – Portaria | Cultural Events

Every August, a series of cultural events culminates in the re-enactment of the traditional Pelion wedding. This collective initiative began in the mid-1960s, when a group of local residents set out to preserve and share the wedding customs of Pelion as they were celebrated in earlier times.

The re-enactment takes place in the centre of the square, in front of two traditional Pelion rooms representing the groom’s and bride’s homes. They are decorated with old objects and household items collected from the area’s historic mansions.

The customs presented include the engagement, the cutting of the bridal dress in the traditional Pelion style, the flour ritual, the transfer of the dowry, the shaving of the groom and, finally, the wedding procession and celebration.