Corfiots keep alive the traditions that have survived through the centuries despite successive occupations by foreign conquerors. Able to assimilate foreign elements in their culture and combine them with the Greek element leading this wonderful blend surprises the visitor the rest mainland.
The great singer accent, the boundless enthusiasm for celebration and dancing, optimism, warm and true humanity representing the Greek values, the rich business with respect for cultural heritage and the natural environment, the deep religious faith that is evidenced by the Numerous churches and monasteries that are everywhere on the island, simplicity, grace and harmony are all elements that make up the character of the locals who were lucky enough not to know the Turkish occupation that deprived the rest of Greece the opportunity to grow for four whole centuries.
Today, six months a year living in Corfu hectic high season. The colorful crowd - exceeding the local population - overwhelms hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, the casino looking carefree and fun day and night. Corfiots transformed from quiet to active farmers cosmopolitans.
Even organized many festivals in honor of various saints as Friday after Easter (Zoodochos Pigi) in Paleokastritsa, the Ascension, the Assumption area and silver, on 8 May and 15 August (Assumption) in Kassiopi, on 8 July (Agios Prokopios) in Kavos Lefkimi and St. Procopius, on 20 July (Prophet Elias) in Magoulades on 6 August (Transfiguration of Christ), the Mouse and St. Matthew and six-day pilgrimage to the top of the Almighty, on 23 August (Panagia Odigitria) in Gastouri Pelekas and the Holy Ten and finally, on 8 September in the village of Afra. There comes alive the musical tradition of the inhabitants with dominant institutions the guitar and violin accompanying verses in Ionian dialect and sometimes pure Italian words.
The music and theater find fertile soil to grow in Venetian Corfu and early 17th century theater is created San Giacomo which marks the beginning of an era rich artistic creation. Especially theatergoers Corfiots organized performances in houses and squares and even during the siege of the city by the Russo-Turkish fleet! Today, performances are given at the Municipal Theatre and the two fortresses of various cultural institutions and artists.
The Italian opera made its mark on the music culture and traditions while the soil was fertile and the development of literature with main representative the poet Dionysios Solomos. Here it was created and the first band in Greece in 1840 by Nikos Mantzaro, composer set to music the "Hymn to Freedom" Solomos.
In all events accompanied by dance can be admired couples in impressive dance moves that the lively steps, kinks cute and cheerful rhythm convey a sense of optimism to the viewer. Local women's clothing is characterized by vivid bold colors, embroidered aprons, rich jewelry, colorful scarves in the middle and the famous scarves of the head is decorated with big beautiful flowers.
LOCAL EVENTS - FESTIVALS
Cultural events which organized in the summer months in Peritheia:
- June 8 St.Theodore festival
- July 20 Prophet Elijah festival
On July 20 the Prophet Elias celebrates the namesake church Perithia or Ai-Lias. In the courtyard of the church in the afternoon followed by a traditional feast.
- July 29 procession in Old Peritheia (Last Sunday of July)
The last Sunday of July is a litany procession with the image of the Virgin, in commemoration of the saving intervention of an epidemic in 1863.
- August 7 barcarolle in St.Spyridon beach:
In August the celebration organized after thanksgiving in the church of St. Spyridon is particularly brilliant. Is a representation of the episode of the revolt, then becomes the famous barcarolle parade of boats from which folk bards sing traditional songs with guitars and floating platforms decorated with various performances inspired by the imagination and the traditions of the island and local dancers dancing onboard the sounds of songs. The sweet melodies and beautiful sight gather crowds along the harbor. The end of the parade followed by spectacular fireworks light up with thousands of colors in an August sky Corfu.
CORFU EASTER
Easter in Corfu is an unforgettable experience. A reference point throughout the country each year, due to the particular customs of the island.
Combine the Easter holiday in Corfu staying at Villa Siorra Anjelina
www.villasiorraanjelina.com / 49081 Perithia - Corfu, Greece Mob: 00306947701445
Palm Sunday
The events of Corfu Easter, starting from Palm Sunday. At 11 in the morning is the procession of the Venerable Relic of St. Spyridon.
Holy Monday
Corfu is preparing for the Easter on Holy Monday. The traditional lanterns of town are dressed in purple color. Also, the Old Fortress Cross is illuminated with purple color. At Holy Monday do not miss the concert of the Philharmonic Society Mantzaros held annually at the Cathedral of Saint Christopher and James (Duomo) at 21:00.
Holy Tuesday
On Holy Tuesday the hymn of Kassianis is sung. The faithful will hear the hymn of repentance and forgiveness. In social program of the day, a Poetry / Musical Evening is organized at 21:00 at the Peristyle of the Palace (Museum of Asian Art) on "From Calvary to the Resurrection." It is organised by the Agency Corfiot Activities.
Holy Wednesday
On Holy Wednesday Holy Unction sounds. It is the day when Christ washes the feet of His disciples, at the Sequence of the Sink. The afternoon of Holy Wednesday the choir of Church Music Metropolis Saint Arsenius attends the Agion Panton Church and participates in Psalm Sequencing Basin at 19:00. A few hours later, at 21:00, Church Music concert is given by the Corfu Municipal Choir San Giacomo in the Municipal Theatre.
Maundy Thursday
Holy Thursday is the day of the 12 Gospels and the Last Supper. In the morning it is custom to dye eggs red in all homes. The eggs will be used after the Resurrection when people will hit them to wish for the Resurrection of Christ. The evening, after the service the epitaphs are embellished to be ready for the next day.
Holy Friday
The most mournful day of Christianity, the Holy Passion, Crucifixion and the procession of the Epitaph. In Corfu, the Epitaphs are accompanied by the philharmonics. The highlight is that in Corfu the epitaphs passages begin at noon and end late at night. Sometime, between the evening of Good Friday and dawn of Holy Saturday, the scenery changes. The purple lights that adorn the city gather and the city is preparing for the big event of the Resurrection.
Holy Saturday
The morning of Holy Saturday the representation of the earthquake takes place in Panagia of Kseni, at 6:00 in the morning: the atmosphere is solemn and the church usually overflows with believers. The procession of St. Spyridon and the Procession of the Epitaph start at 9:00 and after the First Resurrection at 11:00, respectively. By listening to the First Resurrection Liston based Corfiots through clay amphorae (botides) of the windows to the streets. The custom is particularly striking.
The evening of Holy Saturday Agia Paraskevi is the only church were a process takes place. The process of the Resurrection takes place in the Upper Esplanade Square, where all believers gather.
Resurrection of Jesus
On Good Saturday on the stage of the Upper Spianada Square is the celebration of Resurrection of Jesus. The Resurrection sequence starts at 11 pm and culminates at 12 midnight. The procession from the church descends to square with the accompaniment of bands. With the first "Christ is Risen" dozens of fireworks launched into the sky. Immediately after that philharmonics play cheerful city marches composing this way a beautiful spectacle
Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday, there is a procession of the image of Resurrection. The tradition implies that Corfiots eat traditional tsilichourda on Easter Sunday, although this custom is not observed in nowadays. The famous lamb was eaten on the second day of Easter. On Easter Sunday the island's countryside is the best place to enjoy festivities.