Traffic out of Athens through airports, ports and highways peaked on Wednesday as dozens left the city for the August 15 – Dormition of the Virgin Mary national holiday.
More than 21,834 passengers traveled on 25 ferry routes from Piraeus, Greece’s largest port, to the Greek islands on Wednesday. More routes to the Saronic islands which are closer to Athens were also added to meet the increased demand.
Favorite destinations included the Cyclades and primarily the island of Tinos, visited every year by thousands of pilgrims wishing to worship at the Holy Church of Panagia (Evangelistria), the Holy Mother.
From Rafina port, some 5,070 people were scheduled to travel to the islands for the long holiday and 2,599 from Lavrio.
Meanwhile, traffic measures on Greek highways include increased policing and a ban on the circulation of trucks on Wednesday, Aug. 14 to 10 p.m., Aug. 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on Aug. 18 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
This year, authorities in Turkey refused to allow Orthodox services to take place on August 15 in the Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela, which is today located in the Trabzon Province (Trapezounta). Instead they pushed the date back to Aug. 23.
