Saint George’s Wine | Sokarás
The Wine of Saint George | Sokarás
The traditions and customs of our island, passed down through generations, have always been intertwined with gastronomy and the sacred craft of winemaking. These practices often culminate in celebrations where pilgrims and locals alike honor their patron saints with offerings deeply rooted in the island's cultural memory.
For the feast of Saint George, it is customary for worshippers to bring wine, nectar and ambrosia, into the church as a tribute to the protector of the community. The ceremony concludes with a striking procession: the icon of Saint George carried through the village, accompanied by devoted horsemen, marking the final and most symbolic moment of this age-old ritual.
Saint George the Drunkard | On the Feast and Its Name
Every year, on November 3rd, Saint George the Drunkard is faithfully celebrated in villages and towns across the country. Known as the feast of the humble and the poor, a name given by the people to distinguish it from the grand spring celebration of Saint George the Trophy, Bearer in April, this day traditionally marks the beginning of winter.
For the farmers and shepherds of Crete, this feast carries special significance. Seasonal changes, daily routines, and ritual practices become shared events, accompanied by food and drink prepared with the blessing of the local priest. Devotees offer what they can as a gesture of gratitude and reverence toward their patron saint.
The name of this feast was given by the people themselves, not by the formal liturgical tradition of the Church. It reflects an old custom: during this period, communities would open the barrels of their freshly made wine. This ritual, carried out with reverence since antiquity, was accompanied by festive gatherings in which faith, celebration, and the joy of the new vintage blended into one meaningful tradition.
Gastronomic Traditions | In Crete's Martyred Village
In Cretan villages, on the day of a feast, every household prepares its finest dishes for the community celebration. Men and women, young and old, feel deeply the blessing of Saint George, and with a sense of hope and responsibility, they keep the flame of tradition alive through the generations. In the renowned village of Sokarás, the revival of these rituals underscores the enduring importance of local customs.
Sokarás is a village and the administrative center of the homonymous community in the Municipality of Gortyn, falling under the Regional Unit of Heraklion. Its history is rich, marked by courageous resistance and bravery over the years, with the post-war era leaving a significant imprint on the chronicles of the region's struggles.
The village's hospitality and warmth are evident in the handshake and gaze of its people, reflected also in the local gastronomic tradition. At the communal table, nothing is missing: abundant and fine wine warms hearts and fuels dreams, while traditional cuisine serves as a bridge connecting past and future, embodying the soul of Sokarás itself.
The Table of Generosity | With the Priest's Blessing
Sfougáto
A unique tradition kept alive in this village is Sfougáto, the Cretan omelet. Prepared in every possible way by local housewives, it is first offered to the parish priest as a blessing before making its way to the communal table after the Divine Liturgy, where it is shared with the faithful attendees.
Hare Stifádo
The Hare Stifádo, provided by local hunters, holds its own place of honor. This dish is traditionally cooked exclusively by the village's elder women. The rich, caramelized onions, fragrant bay leaves, aromatic spices, and local wine transform the preparation into a culinary ritual, a true celebration of flavor and tradition.
Mountain Pilaf
Gamo-pilaf (wedding pilaf) is an essential feature of any grand feast in this region. Made with abundant meat broth from the area's mountainous terrain, it has restorative qualities that go beyond nourishment. Combined with boiled lamb, its simplicity becomes elevated to gourmet excellence, making it a centerpiece of the celebratory table.