Megalochori-Santorini, Lazarus day ceremony

When the people of Megalochori in Santorini gathered that Saturday morning in the square bringing pieces of woodpiles, rosemary and flowers to put together a sail-like construction, in the name of Lazarus, they were celebrating the resurection of nature through spring. I was lucky enough to be there visiting my beloved friend who has played a vital role in the resurection of the 50's erthquake-struck Megalochori village. My last visit was in winter where everything was calm and easy going. This time the whole island was on foot, preparing for the next summer season.
After the men constructed the sail-like cross, they started covering it with wild rosemary leaves that was gathered the day before from the mountain. Women and children then decorated it with flowers. The strings were tied up from the "sail"(Lazarus) to the corners of the square. It was like a good wind was awaited in order for the "sail" to be risen. Actually it was time for the people to sit down and eat alltogether. In the afternoon the whole village and people from other places of the island came to witness the rise of "Lazarus" and to share the traditional community meal that was prepared in a fire outdoors for the situation.
Since more than ten years Dayadan has been reviving old houses in luxury villas http://santorini-villas.gr/. He's also the maker and owner of the famous "Raki" tavern and an Italian restaurant in the square of the village.