Page 61 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Corfu & the Ionian Islands

Festivals and Events ❮❮ 59

Litany of St Gerasímos,
6 TOP 10 OTHER EVENTS
Kefalloniá
Kefalloniá hosts festivals for its patron
saint, the 16th-century St Gerasímos
(see p40), on 16 August and 20 October
every year. St Gerasímos is believed
to protect Kefalloniáns from illness.
Odysseus Festival, Ithaki
7
The Odysseus Festival is held at
the end of August in Vathý. The cele-
bra tions last several days and honour
Greece’s ancient legendary figures,
King Odysseus and the poet Homer Carnival celebrations in Corfu
(see p40), who put Ithaki on the map. 1 Carnival, Corfu Town
Ochi Day
8 Late Feb or early Mar
Locals in fancy costumes parade around
A public holiday in Greece, Ochi
the Plateia Spianáda and the Liston.
Day (28 October) comme morates the 2 Achílleion Marathon, Corfu
occasion when, in 1940, the Greek First Sunday in Jun
prime minister, Ioannis Metaxas, Runners take part in this annual event
rejected an ultimatum by the Italian to raise awareness of sport in Corfu.
dictator Mussolini to allow Axis forces 3 Backgammon Festival, Zákynthos
to occupy parts of Greece. Metaxas End of Jun or early Jul
pro claimed “ochi!”, meaning “no”. Enthusiasts attend this annual festival
The event marked the begin ning of held in early summer each year.
Greece’s involve ment in World War II. 4 Cricket Festival, Corfu Town
Jul & Aug
In a throwback to British rule, this
celebrates the Corfiots’ love of cricket.
5 Varkarola, Corfu
Aug
This festival celebrates Corfu being
saved from Turkish invasion in 1716.
6 Music Festival, Argostóli, Kefalloniá
Aug
Greek and international musicians come
together for a series of summer concerts.
7 Wine Festival, Ithakí
Participants in an Ochi Day parade Aug
This celebration of a successful grape
Wine Festivals
9 harvest brings Ithakíans together.
A good wine year is marked in
8 Valaoritia Festival, Nydrí, Lefkáda
style in the islands, with live music and Aug
feasts. Towns hosting events include This festival honours Lefkádian politician
Fragkáta in Kefalloniá, Perachóri in and poet Aristotelis Valaoritis (1824–79).
Ithaki, Moraitika in Corfu, Plános in 9 International Folklore Festival,
Zákynthos and Lefkáda Town. Lefkáda
Aug
International Festivals
0 A parade and traditional dances are
the highlights of this festival.
The islands host several
international festivals, such as the 10 International Music Festival, Paxí
Classical Music Festival in Zákynthos, Sep
the International Folklore Festival in Greek musicians join the people of Paxí
Lefkáda and the Argostóli Inter- in a celebration of classical music.
national Choral Festival in Kefalloniá.

058-059_Top_10_Corfu.indd 59 27/11/2017 17:31