Post by artisans on Jun 3, 2011 9:39:28 GMT 2
Put it in your diaries - 26th June. That is the date of the mid-summer festival that is being organised by our new syllogos. The aim is to provide something for everyone, whether they be visitors, ex-pats or local Greeks from around the area.
The festival is known as a 'Lampataris,' and is very traditional. In many villages around Corfu, local people light fires on the eve of the feast day of St John and the fire is seen as something that is both beneficial and purifying. They will be seen jumping through the fire wearing olive branch head-dresses and asking for “The blessing of God” from St John. Many of the wreaths are the Stefani that were made on May Day and they are thrown into the flames to drive away witches. At that point, local people sing and dance around the fire to the accompaniment of musicians playing old traditional tunes. Of course, eating and drinking are very much a part of the celebration.
As if that was not enough, there will also be a 'Varkarola,' which is a traditional music festival on the sea. These usually begin with a choir and musicians on the beach, singing and playing traditional romantic serenades and fisherman songs called “cantades”.
The choir then boards a number of small illuminated fishing boat and will sail from the harbour along the seafront to Roda Beach and back again, all the time serenading those who are watching.
As with all of these festivals, there will be lots to eat and drink at very low prices and you can expect Roda to be packed. It will be a night to remember. I guess that as it is a tradtional festival of mid-summer, the date for next year is already fixed. I am sure it will be a big success and if you are staying anywhere in Corfu at that time, make sure you get to Roda on the 26th.
See you there ...
The festival is known as a 'Lampataris,' and is very traditional. In many villages around Corfu, local people light fires on the eve of the feast day of St John and the fire is seen as something that is both beneficial and purifying. They will be seen jumping through the fire wearing olive branch head-dresses and asking for “The blessing of God” from St John. Many of the wreaths are the Stefani that were made on May Day and they are thrown into the flames to drive away witches. At that point, local people sing and dance around the fire to the accompaniment of musicians playing old traditional tunes. Of course, eating and drinking are very much a part of the celebration.
As if that was not enough, there will also be a 'Varkarola,' which is a traditional music festival on the sea. These usually begin with a choir and musicians on the beach, singing and playing traditional romantic serenades and fisherman songs called “cantades”.
The choir then boards a number of small illuminated fishing boat and will sail from the harbour along the seafront to Roda Beach and back again, all the time serenading those who are watching.
As with all of these festivals, there will be lots to eat and drink at very low prices and you can expect Roda to be packed. It will be a night to remember. I guess that as it is a tradtional festival of mid-summer, the date for next year is already fixed. I am sure it will be a big success and if you are staying anywhere in Corfu at that time, make sure you get to Roda on the 26th.
See you there ...