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It's been a marathon panigyri (one of the best in the whole of Greece) for those who stayed up all night for three nights in a row, for the musicians and singers, the organisers and dedicated members of the Cultural Association, the souvlaki and sausage grillers, the dancers and, last but not least, for those who had to clean up and wash up every day.
I had a taste of each of the three nights; the atmosphere got better every night. The panigyri was still going strong at 10am this morning, with Grigoris Kapsalis (portrait above), the 80 year old klarino player from Elafotopos, playing his heart out with a moving miroloi or lament.
The panigyri finished with a "Pied Piper" procession up the kalderimi from the platanos tree in the main square.
I admire the energy and stamina of the people, young and old, who danced all night.
Other highlights of the festivities included an updated version of Dario Fo's play "Can't Pay? Won't Pay!" and an exhibition of photographs. I was proud that my own were included.
It's extraordinary to be in Vitsa with such crowds and intense activity, with so much socialising. The village is usually almost deserted. Then people have the Vitsa Blues, although many people prefer it peaceful and quiet.
I'll never forget the tragic miroloi played by Grigoris Kapsalis, in memory of one of our neighbours who died not long ago.
After so much Dionysian dancing, abandon and drinking, people broke down in tears. Such is the power of music.
Vitsa, Directions
I had a taste of each of the three nights; the atmosphere got better every night. The panigyri was still going strong at 10am this morning, with Grigoris Kapsalis (portrait above), the 80 year old klarino player from Elafotopos, playing his heart out with a moving miroloi or lament.
The panigyri finished with a "Pied Piper" procession up the kalderimi from the platanos tree in the main square.
I admire the energy and stamina of the people, young and old, who danced all night.
Other highlights of the festivities included an updated version of Dario Fo's play "Can't Pay? Won't Pay!" and an exhibition of photographs. I was proud that my own were included.
It's extraordinary to be in Vitsa with such crowds and intense activity, with so much socialising. The village is usually almost deserted. Then people have the Vitsa Blues, although many people prefer it peaceful and quiet.
I'll never forget the tragic miroloi played by Grigoris Kapsalis, in memory of one of our neighbours who died not long ago.
After so much Dionysian dancing, abandon and drinking, people broke down in tears. Such is the power of music.
Vitsa, Directions
