Local tradition

The burning of Judas is an Easter-time ritual in many Orthodox and Catholiccommunities, where an effigy of Judas Iscariot is burned. Other related mistreatment of Judas effigies include hanging, flogging, and exploding with fireworks. Anthropologists generalize these type of activities as "scapegoating rituals". A similar ritual would be the hanging in effigy of Haman and his ten sons during Purim.

Though not an official part of the Easter liturgical cycle, the custom is typically a part of the reenactment of the story of the Passionthat is practiced by the faithful during Easter. Customs vary, but the effigy of Judas is typically hanged on Good Friday, then burned on the night of Easter Sunday.

According to Greek Orthodoxy that rules the country in religious terms, most islands observe this event by dedicating the day to commemorate the revelation of Jesus to humanity. This takes place on January, 6th –twelve days after Christmas. However, in the particular case of Ermioni, the Epipany celebration takes part in a very unique and cheerful way, called ‘Yala - Yala’.