Transport
I undertook this trip with a young family. There was a walk from the coach into town where the festival took place. There was no pavement and heading kids along a road with traffic and other pedestrians on was not ideal. When we reached the centre the crowds were much larger than expected so we could see very little. We were told to use loos at restaurants., which had no water and the public loos were vile. We returned to the coach, but we had a great time waiting in a bar enjoying fireworks.
Street food, lively processions, fireworks and marching bands – the feast day of St Dennis is Zante's biggest event of the year. And you can enjoy the best views on this evening tour. See the procession of priests in their finest robes and then mingle with the locals in the festival bazaar. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘The celebration of our patron Saint Dennis – known as Dionysus locally – is the most important event in every Zakynthian's diary. A highlight of mine is seeing the town in all its festive finery as we weave through the bazaar.'
To commemorate the island's patron saint, the whole of Zante comes out to celebrate on the 24th of August. You'll get to join in the festivities, heading into Zante town late afternoon. Take your spot in the crowd to watch the procession first, before a chance to mingle with the locals at the food stalls and bazaar. Maria says, ‘There'll be plenty of local delicacies on offer, including traditional sweet treats, roasted chestnuts, and my favourite – loukoumades – a typical Greek donut drenched in honey.'
Soak up the buzzing atmosphere and snap up those last pics of the evening as fireworks light up the sky before the bus takes you back to your hotel.