Naxos maintains very interesting traditional habits, untouched by the contemporary way of life. The locals pass on to the younger generations the way to revive the traditions.

For Naxos, self-sufficiency has always been a priority. The existence of animal husbandry, farming and emery quarries is the reason that Naxian traditions reflect the social life of the island as connected with the abovementioned avocations, and not with the sea. This is justified, as the locals never had to turn to the sea. The Naxians migrated in large scale, seeking a life with better opportunities.

Naxians always cared for education and cultural development. In 1894 was published a newspaper that was named after the island. In 1902 was published the newspaper “Aegean”, a landmark for the history of the island.  Generally, the Naxians busied themselves with many things, neglecting tourist industry. Tourism came late to the island. In some alpine villages, especially Apeiranthos, many old traditions are still alive.

Apokries (carnival) is still a favorite local consuetude. It is celebrated with breeziness, wild dances and songs, masks and noise! It contains elements from the worship of Dionysus, which once prevailed in the island.
The "Vrakatoi" (masked people who wear fustanella or breeches) go around the neighborhoods dancing and singing wildly. Even quainter are the "koudounatoi". They wear  the "ambadeli" (cloak with hood) and have their face covered with a thin cloth, disguising themselves. They tie on their waist a thick rope with many bells. On their right hand, they hold a piece of wood, with which they hit the people they meet. They run up and down along the narrow lanes, pass from the one house to the other, and create pandemonium with their bells and yells. They always end up in the centre of the village, where they rave-up and tease everyone.
One can also see the "gries" (old ladies). These are men disguised as old women. On the one hand they hold a distaff, and on the other a basket in which they place the eggs the collect from the houses. Another group is the Bears. These are dressed in fleeces and they hang a large bell around their neck (called "bouka"). The bear-leader drags them with a rope and beats a drum rhythmically, inviting them to dance.
These dances go on for a whole week, until the last Sunday of the carnival called Tyrini. On this day, emerge the Paliomaskaroi. These are smudged heavily, and go around the neighborhoods teasing everybody. On Pure Monday, emerge the kordelatoi. Adorned with colorful inkles and coins, they dance wildly and farewell the carnival and the feast, in order to welcome the 40-day fast.

Easter and Christmas are duly celebrated. Passion Week is celebrated with devoutness in all the monasteries and churches. On Good Friday, the maidens clean the churches and adorn the Epitaph. The night takes place the circumambulation of the Epitaph. Everybody follows the procession with devotion. On Holy Saturday, the night is turned to day because of the fireworks. The bells ring festally. The celebrations are culminated in the festal sumptuous repast that takes place on Easter Sunday. The main dish is a local specialty, "batoudo" (goat stuffed with intestines, vegetables, rice, egg and cheese, baked in the oven).

On 23/06, eve of St. John Kleidonas, revives the tradition of fire-jumping, especially in Apeiranthos. The maidens knead the dough of "armyropitaki" (small salty pie), which they bake afterwards. This is made by mixing equal quantities of flour, "speechless" water (water brought to three crossroads, three shelters and three churches) and salt. They eat this pie and then dream the man they are destined to marry. This is one of the most favorite traditions and originates from very ancient pagan ceremonies.

The feasts are a religious custom. They constitute a bender with local dances and songs. Usually, they are held in church-yards or central squares of villages.
The most remarkable feasts are: 1) Zoodohou Pigis, Good Friday in Agrokiliotissa, 2) Holy Trinity, in Galanado, on St. George’s day, 23/04 in Kinidaros, 3) St. Thalaleos, May 20th, 4) Holy Apostles, 30/06 in Melanes, 5) St. Nikodimos, 14/07 in Chora, 6) Saviour’s Day, 6/08 in Chora, Damarionas and Glinado, 7) Mother Mary’s Day, 15 / 8, in Filoti and Apeiranthos or on   in Tripodes and Vivlos, 8) Stavroproskyniseos,  14/09 in Keramoti, 9) Eisodia, on 21/11 in Chora. This is the most important feast that takes place in Chora.
During all feasts, the spontaneity and the love of Naxians for breeziness, dancing and singing, are obvious. The songs celebrate the beauty of the landscape, the torments and joys of love, and are accompanied by traditional instruments, like the side drum, the bagpipes and the violins.
The most prevalent dances are ballos, antikristos, syrtos and vlaha. In the village Komiki, one can see two dances that do not exist elsewhere in the Cyclades. The one is called Vitzileadistikos, and is performed by men only during the carnival. The other is called Nikindres and is a variation of syrtos.

Naxian cuisine is based on local products and meat. In Apeiranthos, you should try “Zoula” (boiled goat) and “patoudo” (stuffed lamb with aromatic herbs, grapes, liver, rice and eggs).In Melanes, the cock with tomato sauce, macaroni and cinnamon. The pork steak is a must.
In the alpine villages, do not miss the unique “Zamboni” and the sausages “Tsiladia” with caper and vegetables. “Giachnada” is another summer dish, containing eggplants, courgettes, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. The baked haddock with aromatic herbs and grapes is a must!

Conclude your meal with the local Citron liquor. Or refresh yourself with the fresh lemonade that is served in the local cafeterias. Do not leave the island without buying some “arsenikotyri” (“male cheese”) – the famous hard, yellow, piquant cheese, and of course, a good quantity of Naxian gruyere!!