Our country is full of customs and traditions that have stood the test of time and are still preserved today. Many of these are also an opportunity to visit a place and get to know the people and their habits. Such an opportunity was given to us when we were in Skyros during the three-day Carnival!
When the proposal came to the table, we thought about it for a while… But on an island in winter? Tell me why not? There is a first time for everything. As soon as we arrived at the port of Kymi, Evia and saw the ship, even though we were in the middle of winter, memories of summer vacations began to surround us. The Aegean wind began to hit us and the ship's horn signaled departure…
The custom
The Skyrian Carnival custom is associated with three figures, the Old Man, the Korela and the Frangos, who give a peculiar color to this custom, dancing in the picturesque alleys of the island. The “Old Man” is dressed in a woolly black cape and wears a goatskin mask, while around his waist he has a belt with herd bells. The Korela dances around him in her traditional costume holding a scarf and hiding her face with a mask. The Frangos is a comical figure who wears European trousers, a mask and has a large bell on the back of his waist. This disguise is intended to ridicule all those from the island who abandoned the traditional clothing and preferred the western trousers (the Frangos).
What will you do on the island?
Stay at Country or within walking distance of it to be close to the center of the events. Be there on Saturday morning (before Carnival Sunday) or even better on Friday night to have time to see the customs and get to know the island.
Start your day at the island's main square and wander through the narrow and beautiful alleys. You will find several options for coffee and breakfast as well as traditional bakeries with sweet and savory delicacies. Enter the Archaeological Museum of Skyros with the special findings from the history of the island. The museum is also particularly noteworthy Manu Faltaic with important objects of traditional Skyrian heritage.
– On Saturday early afternoon, ask the hospitable residents of the island to show you the process of dressing the “Old Man.” We had the opportunity to see it and it is truly special.
Then he followed the old men and the maidens to the island's castle and the Monastery of Saint George. After watching the dances and customs, enjoy the unique view that this spot offers. The custom then moves to the alleys and to Megali Strata where all night long Geroi, Koreles and Frangoi do not stop dancing! The best spot to see them while enjoying your drink is the Wine cafe bar.
– Sunday starts with the custom of TrataIn the main square of Chora, the so-called "Tratta" is performed, which represents the life of sailors, with fishermen satirizing events in Greek society and of course the island. Tip: Go early to find a good spot to listen to the sailors' jokes.
The fun continues until the evening in the narrow streets of the island, in the bars and taverns, with the masked men making their appearance again.
– The Clean Monday It's a day of celebration! Almost all Skyrians dress up in their traditional costumes and revel with violins and lutes in the island's square. Balls, antikristi dances and syrtoi become one with the Aegean sea, the white houses and the blue of the sea.
The Tuesday After Carnival, the people of Skyros will board the boat to leave the island, traveling in their traditional costumes, feeling proud of their roots and customs.
Where will you stay?
There are many options. Take a look at Booking and Airbnb and you will see a multitude of rooms. A top choice is Babatseratsi skyrian studio and Mary’s House.
Where will you eat?
Skyros is famous for its lobster pasta. We tried the best one at “Asimenos”. In Chora, for good meat dishes, we recommend “Mouza Grill House” and “Margetis”, while you can taste delicious stews at “O Pappous ki ego”. For fish dishes, the best choice is “Stelios” on Gyrismata beach…
Where will you have fun?
The fun and entertainment lasts all weekend in the bars of the island, with a favorite hangout being “Agora” in the square. At “Oino” you will drink the best cocktails, while at “Akamatra” you will have fun until the morning with foreign music. If you like Greek artistic and folk music, “Artistico” is the best choice.
How are you going?
By boat from Kymi (1 hour and 40 minutes). If you have your own car, it is a good idea to reserve a place on the boat because these days the demand is high (Skyros Shipping Company tel: 2222091789). By air, both SKY EXPRESS and AEGEAN have flights from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Closing
Dionysian customs with their roots in ancient Greece, sounds and forms that are lost over the centuries. Carnival in Skyros has something special! One thing is for sure: You will never forget them..
Check out some more photos we took of beautiful Skyros here!
