Another great area to go to celebrate the festival is the Duoro riverfront and the Praca da Ribeira area. The party in this area takes on a distinctly local feel, adding a flavour of history and culture to your luxury holiday in the Mediterranean. With live music, bars, restaurants and a grand firework display to top it all off, this is a great way to celebrate Sao Joao. For the wild side of the party, head to Foz do Douro, where a giant beach party awaits you, in the true partying style of a Mediterranean holiday.
Ayia Elleni
One of the most interesting festivals to attend when on a summer Mediterranean holiday is the Ayia Elleni which takes place in north-east Greece, near the Greek Macedonian town of Serres. This celebration occurs in a small village called Ayia Elleni, where the villagers dance across a bed of piping hot coals. This dance is an ancient, probably pagan ritual called Anasternaria, and is to behold. This will certainly add something different to your average luxury Mediterranean holiday.
The festival occurs at the end of May, and a bonfire is lit during the day, being left to burn down to the embers. In the evening, the local women dance over the smouldering embers barefoot, without burning their feet. While you will not be allowed to participate, it is intriguing to behold this ancient ritual.
There are a number of exciting festivals to attend throughout summer, where you can combine days spent on the beach with the local culture when on a Mediterranean holiday.
Jackie Fillis is a Mediterranean holiday expert for Harlequin Holidays, a specialist operator providing quality accommodation for a Mediterranean holiday . Harlequin Holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants ready to share their knowledge of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.
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