T0day, Skiathos celebrated Greece’s Independence Day. A very brief history lesson : Being one of the holiest days in the Greek calendar, Orthodox Christians draw inspiration from the Annunciation of the Theotokos. It was on this day that Archangel Gabriel … Continue reading
Greece, the birthplace of democracy where every man has a voice, the right to air his views and to be heard. In time honoured tradition, Skiathos found her voice this morning when much of the local population, congregated on the … Continue reading
Greece’s National day on Tuesday March 25th was great fun though quite a formal occasion. A parade along the Paralia (old port) by the local school children was overseen by the local dignitaries and patriotic, flag-waving spectators and was lead by the local Brass marching band. There followed a wonderful Greekfolk dance display in local traditional costumes to live music. It was a colourful spectacle, not to be missed.
I did manage to experience other local, annual events. The first of these was the annual Carnival; a week of crazy dressing-up and wild partying culminating in a spectacular parade along the Paralia. This year the theme was on recycling for the younger children and, following tradition, the wives of local fishermen dressed-up as their husbands, complete with painted moustaches and stubble!
It was attended by just about the whole island population, who roared and cheered as they witnessed, after sunset, the burning of the ‘King of Carnival’ (a large brightly painted papier mache effigy) and his ceremonial tossing into the sea.
