We haven't been in Plakias as late as September, but enjoyed a totally unexpected evening at the end of June. It was obviously a local event, and chairs were set out in the main square (in front of the Kri Kri). There was music and the local children were dressed up in Greek dress, and did some dancing, which was great. They had obviously done a lot of practicing and took the whole thing really seriously.
There were English and German speakers who explained what was happening over the erratic PA system, although we couldn't hear everything. It seemed that people put a personal possession inside a container that had been paraded through the town earlier in the day, and as each possession was drawn out in the evening, a rhyme was read out about that person - and they had to collect their possession and return to their seat - jumping over a fire lit in the middle of the road on the way! Apparently in the days of smaller villages (and I guess, fewer tourists/visitors), these rhymes and songs could go on all night, were full of "in" jokes and caused all sorts of hilarity!
At the end of the evening, drinks of raki were given to everyone, and sweet bread/cake was also passed round. It was a great evening and everyone seemed to enjoy it. It certainly made us feel part of a community that we're very fond of - even though we're not there long enough to get involved. I think it was organised by the local women's group.
Very jealous of all the people who have their holiday still to come - we had a great week in June, but it seems a long time ago now.
