27 February 2012

Clean Monday

In Eastern Orthodox calendars, the Monday after Carnival is called 'Clean Monday' or 'Kathari Deftera' and can be sometimes referred to as Ash or Shrove Monday.  It is the start of fasting for Lent and the build up to Easter.  On this day, the tradition has been for children and adults to go and fly kites, which does require a great deal of skill.  However, today it has rained heavily in Ermioni, which has meant no kite flying at all.  But generally the tradition in Ermioni has been the flying of kites on the top of Pronos Hill, which gives fantastic views across the whole of Ermioni.  Plenty of Greek music has been played, with locals dancing and singing and 'fasting' goods served.  Such foods are cuttlefish, squid, octopus, seafood, taramasalata, vegetables and Lagana, which is a large flat bread, made with no yeast.  Lent is taken very seriously by Greek people.
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The port of Limania

Ermioni is split into 3 areas and the port of Limania harbour is the place where one can catch a boat to the islands of Hydra or Poros, hire a car, or enjoy some of the tavernas and cafe bars that are scattered along the harbour front.  For most visitors, the Limania side is the first point of arrival, whether by road or by sea.  One will find apartment/hotel rentals, a pension that offers bed and breakfast, private traditional Greek houses, shops and many amenities and coffee bars.   All will provide a warm and friendly service.   At the moment, the world just sees Greece as a violent country, with huge problems.  Yes like most of Europe, Greece is suffering, but it needs the tourists to get the economy going.  Athens is where there are peaceful demonstrations taking place, but the media will only focus on the small group of anarchists, who wish to disrupt everything.  Life away from the capital is still normal, peaceful and charming.  Do consider visiting Ermioni.  Lots to see and do, including relaxing on the sandy beaches.
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Where is Ermioni?

Ermioni is situated opposite the famous Saronic island of Hydra, or two and a half hours south of Athens airport.  It is within the Argolida region of the Peloponnese.  Guide books might mention the fact, that it is a great place for spending a couple of hours only, but this is so wrong.  There is so much to see and do, and most certainly, this area is so rich in cultural activities too.  One can travel to Ermioni by car.  Car hire is available from Athens airport.  Alternatively if you do not wish to drive yourselves, then you could travel by bus to Ermioni, which does take about three and a half hours and costs about 15 Euros.  If you do not wish to travel by bus, then you can catch the hydrofoil or the flying cat to Ermioni, which costs 29.50 Euros.  The journey is very pleasant as the boat departs from Piraeus and stops at the islands of Poros and Hydra, before final stop being Ermioni.
https://www.facebook.com/LemonTreeHouse ('like' this page please)
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Location: Ermioni 21051, Greece

26 February 2012

Carnival in Ermioni


The island town of Ermioni still maintains the annual Carnival.  Sadly over the years though, it has declined due to costs and the economy in Greece, but at least it gives children and adults alike, an opportunity to dress up and participate.   Carnival are connected with 'ancient worshiping' of the Greek god of wine, who was called Dionysus. This in turn was made popular during the Venetian occupation, where young people paraded through their towns and villages in elaborated handmade masks and fancy costumes.  As Carnivals are linked to Lent and Greek Easter, the dates do vary each year.









http://www.ermioni.info/festivals-in-ermioni
http://www.ermioni.info/place-of-interest/ermioni (more about Ermioni)
https://www.facebook.com/LemonTreeHouse ('like' this page please)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ermioni-info/sets/ (more images to enjoy)

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