Last of the Seasons Festivities

6th January

Today is Epiphany, a national holiday. The island people head to the waterfront for a church ceremony, winter swimmers and drinks with friends

Last year the Blessing of the Waters was conducted from a fishing boat. 

It looks a bit top heavy with all the island's Priests, incense swingers, Mayor, Councillors and hangers-on

This year they brought in the big guns, the largest car ferry

Everyone of importance piled on board and the ceremony took place on the ferry, without it even moving out to sea

The cross was thrown overboard from the side of the ferry. You can just see it, attached to a long blue ribbon. 

This day the Orthodox church celebrates the baptism of Christ in the river Jordan. 

Crosses are thrown into the sea, rivers, reservoirs or lakes all over the country. 

After the blessing 3 white doves are released, symbolising the Holy Trinity. 

The cross is thrown twice, reeled in and the 3rd time......... 

 

A bunch of hardy swimmers dive into the freezing harbour.  The one who reaches it first lifts it high and is blessed for the year ahead

This year there were 12 who dove in,  boys and a girl

Then we all head off for 

The traditional 'aftermath' 

Ouzo, wine or raki with friends. 

 

The cafe where we gather is known for its good prices and more traditional mezes (small platters of food).  Local Greeks and aliens prefer it here where the wine is served in jugs and the raki and ouzo is by the glass 

There were no free tables outside so we sat inside. Smoking is not frowned on. Fortunately the doors and windows were open today. 

The crowd inside and the waiter are all old friends. There was a lot of shouting across the cafe, loud music and the booming laugh of our table companion. 

A bit too much for me.  

The noise in the cafe

Went round and round

Round and round

All day long

It was difficult following any of the conversations so I watched the activities outside, took a few photos and sent a post to Instagram. 

It was enjoyable simply to be in the company of daughter Elli, my son in law Kyriakos and to see K happy in this social atmosphere. 

7th January

St John or in greek Agio Yianni

St John is a huge name day.

Half the male population is named Yianni (John) 

The female version is Yianna or Yoanna

Happy name day to

Son in law Yianni

Friend Jan

Sister in law Joan

The Christmas tree comes down. The only decoration remaining 

Schools go back on the 8th

Winter routine begins again