The Kathara panighiri is more of a religious festival than a party, deep in the psyche of Ithacans.

This panigyri is not widely known to visitors but is much loved by Ithacans! On this day, the Monastery of Kathara and the Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Kathara are celebrated and, as the patron saint of sailors and to those who have left their homes to create new ones abroad, she is the Patron of Ithaca.