One of Greece's most spectacularly resurrected customs is revived in Leonidion: The flying of the "hot air balloons" in the night of the Resurrection. With the sound of "Christ is risen" (Chistos anesti) the five parishes of Leonidion light up 500 to 600 colorful balloons that ascend to the sky, illuminating the night.
We do not know the origin of the custom, but the oldest remember that it started around 1910-1915.
On the evening of Holy Friday, the five Epitaphs depart from the churches and meet at Heroes' Square. The epitaphs are adorned with flowers and musk.
On Easter Sunday, the Municipality sets up roasters at the Town Hall garden and offers to all visitors fine wine, delicious appetizers and red eggs. In the afternoon during the Mass of Love the Gospel is read in the Tsakonian dialect. After church, there is a vibrant feast, with live music, and everyone is offered handmade traditional sweets.