The August Varkarola events as captured by Alexandros Melidis

The first photos have been posted on social media from the Garitsa Bay event organised by Central Corfu Municipality on Friday 12 August. The photographer and Enimerosi collaborator Alexandros Melidis captured the most impressive moments.


Photo: Alexandros Melidis


Garitsa Bay

There have been arguments, however, on social media regarding the event, its cost and what the purpose was - on the one hand a lot of Corfiots praised the work of director Petros Gallias and on the other there were many who blasted the local authority for diverging from the essence of the 'classic' Varkarola (serenades on board the boats).


Firework display at the end of "The Song of the Sea"

Petros Gallias wrote that it is difficult to please everyone and that he "dreams of the Corfu of tomorrow" with new approaches to traditional customs and celebrations.


Varkarola with Odysseus' boat in Paleokastritsa

There don't appear to be any such problems regarding the Varkarola in Paleokastritsa, which was enjoyed and praised by the local population.


'Odysseas' in Paleokastritsa

Yet again this year the epic arrival of Odysseus was magnificently dramatised. With the atmospheric lighting and the choirs those attending enjoyed the quality of the event and the firework display which lit up the night.