The importance of oranges for the local economy is illustrated by the celebration on November 21 of the feast of Panaghia Portokalousa (lit. 'Holy Virgin of the Oranges'). On this day, local people take the year’s new oranges to church to be blessed.
They also show their more playful side by engaging in what is known locally as portokalopolemos (lit. 'orange battle'), when they pelt each other with the fruit. If there is a wedding on the day, oranges are also thrown at the newlyweds, along with rice and roses!