BIG DISCOUNT AT MED MARINAS

Med Marinas are offering a 23% discount to anybody booking an annual berth in Gouvia, Kalamata or Lefkas if paid in full by 30th June 2012. Also, 30 days free mooring in any of the group marinas.

Details can be found on www.medmarinas.com

SUMMER FLIGHTS AT PREVEZA AIRPORT

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF PREVEZA AIRPORT SUMMER 2012

GREEK FINANCIAL & POLITICAL SITUATION

     After a weekend of protests and riots around the country the Greek parliament voted 'in principle' in favour of the latest austerity measures demanded by the Eurocrats.  Over the next few days the detail of the measures will be voted on.
     For the expats in Lefkas very little upheaval and angst is noticeable..... although I'm sure the same cannot be said for the Greek population of the island.
     Two extremely good sources of bang up-to-date news in  English are
'Athens News on-line'   http://www.athensnews.gr/
'Ekatherimini on-line'  http://ekathimerini.com/

APOKRIAS and the CARNIVAL 2012

Apokrias runs, this year,  from Sunday 5^th Feb to Sunday 26^th.  It is the time in the Greek Orthodox tradition of preparation for Lent.

It begins with the opening of the book of the  Triodion (the three holy sacraments) on the first Sunday.

The second week is ‘meat week’..... the last week of eating meat until after Lent.  The highlight of this week is Tsiknonpempti or ‘Burnt Thursday’.  Traditionally this is the day when everyone grilled their meat.  In these modern times it is more usual to go to a taverna for a meat meal.

The third week is sometimes called ‘Cheese Week’, as those who adhere to the Orthodox traditions mostly eat dairy products and eggs.... no meat allowed until after Lent.  This week culminates in Tyrofagis Sunday on the final day of Apokrias (26^th Feb) which is the day when most Carnival Parades are held all over Greece.  Some parades are held on the Saturday.  Over the days preceding the carnivals many people dress up in fancy costumes and masks and of course the processions through the towns with floats, bands and much noise and frivolity are great fun to watch.... or participate in.

After the excitement of the Parades, the following day is the first day of Lent.  Kathari Deftera more usually known to us as ‘Clean Monday’ is celebrated by trips out for Lenten picnics and flying kites.  It is a Greek bank holiday.

On Lefkas there are usually two Carnival Parades.... one in Nidri on the Saturday and the other in Lefkas Town on the following day.