GREEK TRADITIONAL EVENTS - JANUARY

The cutting of the traditional ‘PITA’, is a well known event in January. The “Vasilopita" - Basil Cake -  is a kind of sweet bread with a coin inside.  Whoever finds the coin inside their portion will enjoy a year of good luck. It's a great tradition which starts at the change of the year; first in the family, and later at the offices, and then in the different interest groups.  It is also a good excuse for socialising. Another event in January is the Epiphany Celebration, the blessing of the water.  Many youngsters jump into the ice cold water to catch the cross that the priest of the village has thrown into the water. The one that brings back the cross to the priest is blessed for the year.

GREEK CARNAVAL & GREEK HOLIDAYS

In Northern Europe the carnival period has already finished, but in Greece carnival has just begun……. Greece doesn't have Brazilian carnival like that found in Rio, or a German one like in Cologne….  But it does have the crazy town of Patras on the Peleponnese and its great carnival!  You may be surprised to learn that here there is a long tradition of celebrating carnival.

In 2008, in Greece, there is a long gap between the holidays compared to northern Europe.  This is because Greece celebrates ‘Clean Monday’ on 10th of March; Easter Sunday on the 27th of April; and the Pentecost on 15th of June.

NEW OFFICIAL AGISTRI WEBSITE ONLINE!

At the beginning of this year, the new official Agistri website was launched. On www.agistrigreece.com you will find lots of information about Agistri: the villages & beaches, accommodation, tavernas, bars, shops and ferry timetables – and all written in English. All pages are illustrated with many pictures. If you would like your friends to learn about Agistri send them a message with a link to www.agistrigreece.com! On www.agistri.gr you will find the official Greek website - unfortunately this website is less exciting.

AGISTRI NEWS

Because the island is still having its ‘wintersleep’ there is not much more news.  However, every day there is an interruption by the big ferry (POSIDON HELLAS) which connects to Piraeus (via Aegina) in only 1.5hours. The AGISTRI EXPRESS, which recently started operating again (with a new crew), is moored back home in MILOS harbour. There is a daily trip to Aegina and every alternate week an evening trip at 19.45. The FLYING DOLPHIN is still running winter schedules every day to the island from Piraeus, leaving at 16.00.
Click here for more information about boat timetables on agistrigreece.com or visit www.gtp.gr.