In October, the Greeks distil their tsipouro. Tsipouro is a strong drink with an alcohol percentage usually between 36 and 45 %. On Kythira it is distilled from grapes after they have been pressed for wine. Elsewhere, they make tsipouro from figs, pears and other fruit. Tsipouro is also called[…]
A total lunar eclipse will occur during the night of September 28th 2015. The earth will be sliding slowly between the sun and the moon. The earth’s shadow will cover the moon for a while, giving it a dark reddish brown colour – also called ‘Blood Moon’. During this so[…]
Panagia Myrtidiotissa’s Name Day is Kythira’s most important religious festival, celebrated annually on September 24th. The Icon of Panagia (protectress of the Kythirians) is in the monastery church of Myrtidia (myrtles), located in the south-western part of the island. The monastery derives its name from the fact that in the[…]
On September 17th we celebrate Agia Sofia’s Name day. On Kythira, three different caves (Mylopotamos, Agia Pelagia, Kalamos) have the name of Agia Sofia. At the entrance of each cave is a small church, dedicated to the saint. Sofia devoted her life to the Christian religion. She had three daughters[…]
In September, the figs are ripe. When you are on Kythira during this month, pick a fig from the tree and enjoy its unique taste and the surprising combination of the soft skin and the crunchy sweet seeds inside. The fig is nutritious and healthy. In Greece, a fig symbolizes[…]
The yearly grape harvest days are nearly here. From next week onwards, we will be organising grape picking days combining a useful activity with a relaxing and pleasant environment. The day is quite full : breakfast at Potamos Square, transfer to the Souris vineyard near Gerakari, grape picking for a[…]
We have written before about Giorgos Tzannes Kafko. He is the enthusiastic guide for our weekly walks through Chora and Avlemonas. As well as being a guide he is an artist who makes beautiful paintings, collages and sculptures. Tonight at 9 pm there will be the opening of his new[…]
At this time of year, some islanders are very busy harvesting sea salt. Another few days and the season will be over. Kythirian sea salt is a unique local product: pure, natural and healthy, with a very special taste. The salt pans (alatares in Greek) are naturally shaped bowls in[…]
Even though it is a bit early for harvesting grapes, you can already pick ripe grapes. Apart from eating them right away, in Greece it is quite common to cook moustalevria, a tasty and healthy pudding made with grape juice and flour (moustos = must / alevri = flour). Mixed[…]
The Agia Elessa Monastery is located in the south western part of Kythira, on one of the island’s highest hills. Agia Elessa’s name day celebration is on August 1st. Elessa was born in the Peloponnese to a wealthy pagan father and devout Christian mother and she converted to her mother’s[…]