Carnival on Hydra 2018

The Sunday of the Carnival Parade this year was bright and sunny bringing larger than normal crowds out for a fun walk about the island. From Votis Square in the centre of Hydra Town, everyone started gathering at 2.30 with lots of noise and excited chatter accompanied by music from our excellent musicians that got everyone jigging. Our adorable Carnival Donkey was 'wire for sound' and waited patiently for Spyros to be helped into the massive 'head' that traditionally leads the parade. At 3 o'clock, Mayor George Koukoudakis marshalled everyone into order and the parade set off.

The first stop was the Hydra Language School (just above Four Corners) where everyone was welcomed by Sotiris, Kiki and the School Team. After refuelling with refreshments, the occasion and excellent music ensured lots of dancing that everyone enjoyed so much that the music had to be switched off and everyone had to be reminded that the parade had to go on!

From the school, the parade made its way down to Four Corners then turned into Hilary Square heading inland to Kamini. Yet more people joined the parade here as we headed down to the Supermarket and Pirofani square for some more refreshments. Happily, the Carnival Donkey also got a break and thoroughly enjoyed munching on some lovely fresh weeds.

Late lunchers were ready with their cameras as the parade passed Christina's Taverna and then it was on to the Kodylenia Taverna at Kamini Harbour. Dimitris and Eleni were ready with crazy spray, streamers and drinks for everyone. And the Kodylenia guests enjoyed the ten-minute invasion of dancing carnival goers.

The parade got a little strung out by the time it reached Avlaki and stopped at Spilia for everyone to catch up to enter the harbour together at about 4.30.

After some dancing and yet more photos in the centre of the port, the parade moved further along to the East corner of the harbour, where the municipality had food and drink for everyone. The star of this year's music was Vangelis Konitopoulos and his traditional band which was fantastic.

I confess that by six, I was in dire need of a strong hot cup of tea and I headed home but the sound of party goers, singing, music and occasional loud bangs followed me up the hill. The background noise was still apparent at 11 so it's safe to assume that everyone was still enjoying themselves until the early hours.

Quite aside from the weather being sunny and favourable, I think there are many people who need to be thanked for organising the best Carnival on Hydra for years. Municipality's carnival committee including the technicians and the people who look after the costumes and Spyros for wearing the head! Sotiris & Kiki of the Language School, the Kamini Supermarket, Dimitris & Eleni of the Kodylenia Taverna, Chris and the musicians, everyone who helped to make the food for the end of parade party and finally Vangelis and his musicians for accepting the Mayor's invitation to play for us. It was a fantastic day!

Click this link to see all photos of Carnival 2018.