When to do…Corfu
A Hint of What’s happening in Corfu Later This Year
August 2014
1st – 31st August 2014: Benitses Sardine Festival
This popular event that takes place every year in the nearby village of Benitses. Traditionally a fishing village it continues today and is one of the best places where one can eat fresh fish straight from the sea. In August local fishermen take a large amount of fresh sardines and give then to the Sardine Festival where they are grilled and offered for free with ouzo and wine to all those who attend.
The festival is accompanied with dances and songs by traditional groups and the party usually lasts until the early hours of the morning.
9th August 2014: Corfu Barcarole Festival
The Barcarole Festival of Corfu is one of the most famous and popular festivals held every summer. This event celebrates the miracle of Saint Spyridon, as the locals believe that it was the saint who saved the island from a Turkish siege on August 11th, 1716. So they celebrate this miracle with a representation of the nautical fight. Barcarole takes place annually on the closest Saturday to August 11th. It was once held in the bay of Garitsa, Corfu Town, but now it takes place in the bay of Paleokastritsa, northern Corfu. Diverse boats parade along the bay, while bands play traditional music and local dancers perform traditional displays. At the end of Barcarole a boat is set on fire and fireworks explode to commemorate the burning of the Turkish naval during the 17th century siege. This is followed by the procession of Patron Saint Spyridon on August 11th.
15th August 2014: Religious Feasts
Throughout August there are many religious feasts taking place across the island to celebrate the various village church names. The biggest takes place on 15thAugust when the Virgin Mary name day is celebrated in style with a procession taking place with the Epitaph of Virgin Mary, decorated by the local ladies of Corfu.
September 2014
29th August – 5th September 2014: BBC Presenter Alan Wright
Over a career spanning 25 years, Alan Wright enjoyed a huge success as a BBC Radio and TV Presenter, alongside which he was also able to indulge a passion of his, after dinner speaking. He has appeared all over the UK, and abroad, and was named UK After Dinner Speaker of the Year, 2009. This year, Corfu’s leading luxury hotel, MarBella Corfu has teamed up with Classic Collection Holidays to bring guests an evening of laughter and commentary with Alan Wright himself between 29th August – 5th September 2014.
1st – 30th September 2014: Flamingos in the wetlands
September is the best time to catch the amazing advent of Flamingos that adorn the wetlands of Alikes Lefkimmis. The striking white, black and pink colours decorate the shallow waters and landscape over the 4 month period that these birds spend grazing and seeking shelter. At times there have been over 4,000 flamingos which provide the perfect chance to photograph this amazing natural occurrence.
1st – 30th September 2014: Roads of Wine
Wine and Corfu are the perfect combination and September is the prime time to harvest the grapes for production. Guests are invited to participate in the picking as well as learn about the production and after all the hard work join in the festivals that run throughout the month. The festivals, held in the villages of Kato Garouna and Arillas where wine is enjoyed for free along with live music and traditional dancing.
14th September 2014: Feast of the Holy Cross
On September 14, the Feast of the Holy Cross is an important custom.
In almost all homes a vase of basil (herb flower of the Mediterranean) is hold and carefully taken care of for the day of the feast to be taken to the churches, where after the Mass the priest divides his basil to all believers. With this branch of holy basil local women make the dough for their bread.
24th September 2014: Monastery Panagia Myrtiotissa
On September 24th guests have the opportunity to visit the Monastery of the Myrtiotissa. Perched on the slopes of a green pine hill above the beach of the Myrtiotissa, the C14th monastery got its name from an image of Virgin Mary that was found inside. Every year on September 24 the Monastery of Myrtiotissa celebrates with a festival full of joy, songs and dance for all visitors.
The above is only a selection of what’s on in Corfu so to find out more about any of the above events or what else is happening please visit www.marbella.gr/events-corfu.
Classic Collection Holidays (0800 294 9318; www.classic-collection.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Marbella Beach Hotel, Corfu from £1109/£769 per person in August/September. Price based on 2 adults sharing on a half board basis and includes return flights from London Gatwick (other UK departure airports available) to Corfu, and private transfers.
For further press information please contact Kathryn Peel or Jonathan Williams at Ophir PR on 0207 381 9808 or email Kathryn@ophirpr.co.uk, Jonathan@ophirpr.co.uk
