Independence Day in Molyvos

Posted on 25 March 2013 by Robin

Greek Independence Day is celebrated on the 25th of March.

It marks the anniversary of the raising of the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese in 1821 by Bishop Germanos of Patras.

In Athens, there is an impressive military parade.

In villages of Greece, it is celebrated with parades by the children of the village. Many proudly wear national costume or their scouting uniforms. Independence Day in Molyvos was no exception with smiling parents and villagers lining the streets to watch.

Independence Day coincides with the Greek Orthodox celebration of the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God.

It is also said by many to be the day that the swallows return to Greece, marking the beginning of summer.

Independence Day Molyvos 2013 - 4

I will keep a lookout and let you know.

Storm Damage

Posted on 24 March 2013 by Robin

March storms have damaged part of the seafront road in Petra and caused further damage on the road to Eftalou.
Lesvos Mayor Dimitris Vounatsou visited Petra on Saturday 23 March with other officials to view the situation. As well as the damage that can be seen in these pictures, large piles of sand, rocks and seaweed was washed onto the main road making it impassible. An urgent clean up was put into place to ensure that the Independence Day celebrations could take place.

The coast road between Molyvos and Eftalou (which was damaged in 2010) suffered further damage. The already collapsed areas have sunk further and more areas have now been sectioned off as they are unsafe.

Καθαρά Δευτέρα – Clean Monday

Posted on 20 March 2013 by Robin

Καθαρά Δευτέρα (Clean Monday) marks the beginning of Lent. In Molyvos it was celebrated with a village gathering in Lefkonikou Square. There was traditional Lenten food, a series of sketches (most of which were far too rude to report here) and dancing.

The weather was fantastic and it seemed like the entire village (and many from surrounding villages) had turned out to celebrate. What a fantastic party atmosphere.

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Lets go fly a kite!

Posted on 18 March 2013 by Robin

Kite flying is a traditional end to Carnival in Greece. It is a time for families to spend time together and have some fun. Spring has already arrived in Lesvos so there was a good turn out to enjoy the warming sun and fly their kites.

Many people make their own kites and there is competition to have the prettiest kit. The real battle though is to see who can fly their kite the highest.

In Molyvos people gathered on the land at the top of the hill close to the castle. From here the top flyers were mere distant specks in the sky over the sea. A few kites managed to escape and take refuge in trees. I will spare their owners blushes by not showing the pictures.

Τσικνοπέμπτη – ‘Smokey Thursday’

Posted on 7 March 2013 by Robin

Lent will soon be with us. Greeks like one last celebration to eat lots of meat (mostly lamb), drink a glass or two of wine and party.

Smokey Thursday gets its name from the smoke of the barbecue and as you can see [opposite] the name is quite apt. The village was filled with the wonderful smells and sounds of Τσικνοπέμπτη.

There was lots of traditional music and dancing.

There was lots of not so traditional music and dancing

But mostly there was lots of food, wine, good company and good humour. A massive thank you to everyone for the donations that made this all possible. Times are hard in Greece, but the spirit of Molyvos refuses to lie down.

I love this place.