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Bathroom in deluxe room at the Glaros"Procession of CORPUS CHRISTI in Castro, Naxos"
The neighbourhood of CASTRO (meaning:Fortress or Castle in Greek), on the top of Naxos-Town, being essentially Catholic (religious speaking), because most of its inhabitants are Greeks, but of Venetian-Frankish origin, celebrates with great solemnity, every July, the procession of "CORPUS CHRISTI" or "AGHIA DOREA"(in Greek).
All the narrow streets of Castro are covered with flowers of oleanders (as a sign of veneration to the Blessed Sacrament) and some families from Castro make their own "Altars" (made of flowers, crosses and icons).The most magnificient Altar is made by the Karavias family, in the open space, in front of the Venetian Museum "Domus Della Rocca-Barozzi" and it is the only place, where the Catholic Archibishop of Naxos-Tinos stops for the blessing!
The official blessing takes place in the wonderful baroque chapel of "Capella" and when the "Blessed Sacrament" comes out of the Capella, is accompanied by a large "baldacchino" (canopy), held by 4 men.
At the end of the mass, there is a formal reception (sweets and refreshments are offered) at the Catholic Archibishopric.
If you happen to be in Naxos in the middle of July (from 18 to 22 July, roughly), do not miss this unique religious celebration!The Venetian heritage of Naxos must survive!
