2. THE FEAST OF THE BREAM
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SOULI EVENTS-RE-ENACTMENT OF
KOUGI EXPLOSION and
THE DANCE OF ZALONGO
-
EASTER ON THE ISLAND OF CORFU
3. The Municipality of
Filiates, the local
Aquaculture Corporation
and Cultural association of
Sagiada organize on 6th
August every year the
"Feast of the bream" on the
local beach (about 15 km
from Filiates).
4. Free bream with wine are served to those
who attend the festival at a night full of
singing and dancing. Each year the event
brings together people from all over
Thesprotia (the name of our prefecture) and
the surrounding areas. Local people really
look forward to this religiously-originated
feast!
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8. Souli is a municipality in
Epirus, which was
inhabited by about
12,000 residents. In the
18th and 19th century,
the citizens of Souli, who
were renowned for their
discipline, bravery and
resistance rebelled
against the Ottoman
occupation.
9. Without food and ammunition the Souliotes
(residents of Souli) could not resist any more and
with the help of a traitor who helped the
Ottomans to enter into the village of Souli, they
withdrawed to the fortresses of Kiafa and Kougi,
where they fought their last battle on December 7,
1803. They eventually capitulated and Ali Pasha
promised to release them to other parts.
10. The explosion of Kougi
On December 12, 1803,
the Souliotes left Souli
towards the coast of
Epirus. A monk named
Samuel remained in
Kougi and set fire to the
powder magazines with a
massive explosion that
cost him his and some of
his partners’ life. In the
meantime, the Ottoman
army attacked the other
Souliotes, neglecting the
promises Ali Pasha had
made to them.
11.
12. The battle of Zalongo is remembered today for
the sacrifice of the citizens of Souli women
who preferred to jump off its cliffs, to their
death, rather than fall into the hands of Ali
Pasha's soldiers. Survivors were forced to flee
once more mostly to Central Greece.
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19. Easter Saturday- Pot throwing
custom
At 6.00 a.m. at the church of the Virgin Mary the custom of the
artificial earthquake represents the earthquake followed
Christ’s Resurrection.
At 11.00 a.m., the first Resurrection is announced. People say
the phrase “Christós Anésti” (Christ is risen) to each other.
The response is “Alithós Anésti” (he has truly risen). Bells
peal loudly and the bands parade through the streets.
People hurl clay pots from windows and balconies which
crash noisily on the streets below.
20. At night, Christians attend the Catholic Mass of
the Resurrection in Duomo, or the Orthodox
Resurrection Service. Thousands of lit candles
are put on balconies, on window sills or are
held by people. The Resurrection of Christ is
celebrated at 12.00 with drum beats and
fireworks.
21. It dates back to the Venetians who used to
throw all their old and useless objects and
pots out of their windows (on Jan 1st).
This tradition is now carried on by local
Corfiot people all over the island
What they do is to...throw pots from their
balconies or windows!!!
The Pot-Throwing custom!!!
