‘Odyssey’ Varkarola returns to Paleokastritsa
Varkarola
27 Jul 2022
/ 22:48
CORFU. A Varkarola is being organised again following an absence of two years.
The Lakones Cultural Society is bringing back the traditional 'Odyssey' Varkarola in Paleokastritsa following an absence of two years. On 13 August, from late afternoon, the sea will be full of dozens of traditional, wooden boats and floating stages, fireworks will light up the sky, accompanied by choirs and dancers. If it attracts the same number of visitors as in previous years, then thousands of people from every part of the island will be there.
From Varkarola in 2019. Source: facebook.com/varkarola.palaiokastritsas
The first Varkarola in Palaiokastritsa took place in 1997. The themes of the floating performances and the custom in general were adapted from the very beginning to the historical and folklore characteristics of the region. Thus, the Varkarola in Paleokastritsa reenacts the arrival of Odysseus on the island of Corfu and his meeting with Princess Nafsika.
The Lakones Cultural Society Secretary Vivianna Michala informed us that there is great anticipation in the local communities in view of this year's event. In recent years it had become a tradition for the whole island. In fact, the custom's reputation reached Athens and many local media talked about it.
Lakones Cultural Society Secretary Vivianna Michala
The last Varvakola took place in 2019 due to the pandemic. The Cultural Society was quarantined, just like everything and everyone else. During this period, the Society's scheduled elections were not held. So, the old board with Pavlos Michalas as president is organising this year's Varkarola.
The last Varvakola took place in 2019.
Source: facebook.com/varkarola.palaiokastritsas
The 'Krini' dance group and the Lakones choir will also participate in the event. "It could not have taken place without the contribution of the area's businesses", said Mrs. Michala, adding that Varkarola is of great importance both for cultural and economic reasons, as in past years the number of visitors reached 8,000.
Smallest possible environmental footprint
It is important to mention that the Lakones Cultural Society has ensured that there will be the smallest possible environmental footprint caused by the number of visitors and the boats. The secretary assured us that just like any other year, a team of volunteers has been set up to clean the area and divers have been assigned to clean up the seabed after the event.
Enimerosi will be in Paleokastritsa on August 13 for this spectacular and magical evening.
From Varkarola in 2019. Source: facebook.com/varkarola.palaiokastritsas
The first Varkarola in Palaiokastritsa took place in 1997. The themes of the floating performances and the custom in general were adapted from the very beginning to the historical and folklore characteristics of the region. Thus, the Varkarola in Paleokastritsa reenacts the arrival of Odysseus on the island of Corfu and his meeting with Princess Nafsika.
The Lakones Cultural Society Secretary Vivianna Michala informed us that there is great anticipation in the local communities in view of this year's event. In recent years it had become a tradition for the whole island. In fact, the custom's reputation reached Athens and many local media talked about it.
Lakones Cultural Society Secretary Vivianna Michala
The last Varvakola took place in 2019 due to the pandemic. The Cultural Society was quarantined, just like everything and everyone else. During this period, the Society's scheduled elections were not held. So, the old board with Pavlos Michalas as president is organising this year's Varkarola.
The last Varvakola took place in 2019.
Source: facebook.com/varkarola.palaiokastritsas
The 'Krini' dance group and the Lakones choir will also participate in the event. "It could not have taken place without the contribution of the area's businesses", said Mrs. Michala, adding that Varkarola is of great importance both for cultural and economic reasons, as in past years the number of visitors reached 8,000.
Smallest possible environmental footprint
It is important to mention that the Lakones Cultural Society has ensured that there will be the smallest possible environmental footprint caused by the number of visitors and the boats. The secretary assured us that just like any other year, a team of volunteers has been set up to clean the area and divers have been assigned to clean up the seabed after the event.
Enimerosi will be in Paleokastritsa on August 13 for this spectacular and magical evening.
