On Saturday, we celebrate the return of the Ionian Islands (Eptanissa), which includes Kythira, to the Greek state. On May 21st 1864, the British, having ruled the Eptanissa from 1809, ceded the islands to the new Greek king, George I. Representatives of the local authorities will attend a special liturgy at the church of Estavromenos (Crucified Christ) in Chora. There will then be wreath laying and speeches in the central square in Chora, followed by the schoolchildren’s parade. The Potamos Fanfare will then play the national anthem and children will perform traditional Kythirian dances. The celebrations will start at 11:30.