RECORDING EASTER PRACTICES IN TILOS
- Admin
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 30
This project was designed to raise awareness within the local community, collect oral testimonies, and create a digital archive focused on two unique Easter practices of the island of Tilos: the custom of “Lazarus” and “the Easter Candles.”

This project is a result of an ongoing partnership between COMM'ON and the Municipality of Tilos that started back in 2024. Working closely with the local community, the last few years, we uncovered specific needs and we collectively work together in order to contribute to their resolution.
This project was designed to raise awareness within the local community, collect oral testimonies, and create a digital archive focused on two unique Easter practices of the island of Tilos: the custom of “Lazarus” and “the Easter Candles.”
The project aims to:
(a) activate and engage the local community (especially younger generations) in the documentation process,
(b) produce short documentary films based on oral histories related to these local practices, and
(c) support the Municipality of Tilos to complete and register the “Easter Practicies of Tilos” in the National Inventory of Cultural Heritage of Greece, for the Greek Ministry of Culture.
What are the Easter practices of Tilos?
“The Lazarus Tradition”
This tradition takes place on the Saturday before Holy Week, both in Megalo Chorio and Loupies (an designated area in Charcadio). People gather to make flower bouquets, collect a herb called “kokkinadi”, create a “cave” from which Lazarus will “emerge”, the children play between two hills, to save their “king”, everyone is singing Lazarus carols. The ritual culminates in a reenactment of Lazarus’ resurrection by the children before everyone moves back to Megalo Chorio to sing the Lazarus carols in the village.
“The Easter Candles” (Keria, or Keria with kokkinadi)
The candles are made annually during the Holy Week in the village of Megalo Chorio. The process begins with a thick string dipped in wax, followed by immersion in kokkinadi extract, giving the candles their distinct deep red color. These handmade candles are distributed to the community for use during the Good Friday Epitaph procession.

*The project outcomes will be presented in the summer of 2025.
. . . .
When: April 2025
Where: Tilos Island
The project was implemented with the support of the J. F. Costopoulos Foundation, in close collaboration with the Municipality of Tilos, the Tilos Cultural Association, the Tilos Youth Union and members of the local community.