In Pelekas, the final Sunday of Carnival (this year March 17^th) is celebrated in the village square. The villagers disguise themselves from head to toe, often as old women and dance together to the music of the local 'orchestra'. These disguises traditionally allowed women to join in the fun without fear of recognition. The dancing is followed by the cremation of King Carnival and a party in the evening where the village sits down together to eat, drink and dance before the forty days of fasting which precede Easter.
 

The next day is known as Clean Monday which marks the beginning of Lent. Far from being a solemn occasion it is a day dedicated to picnics of fasting food and kite-flying. In Pelekas on Clean Monday, weather permitting, the whole village makes its way to Glyfada Beach where families picnic on shellfish, octopus, taramasalata, salads, pickles and the loaves of unleavened bread specially baked on this day. Huge quantities of wine are drunk and this feast where no meat, butter, eggs or cheese are present ushers in forty days of fasting, which until recently most Greeks observed. In the afternoon the Pelekas Cultural Society provides the entertainment with music and a display of dancing by a group wearing the traditional costume of the village.

Where you are.

Where we are.

Final Reminder!

Don't forget Easter Sunday is 5^th May. This is possibly the best time to experience the real Corfu, rather than the version which is often offered to tourists later in the season. Also, with Easter falling so late, it means, unlike some years, cheap charter flights may still be available.
 

Weather

 

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Editorial

So what sort of a winter has it been here in Pelekas. A winter of contrasts seems to be the answer. 
 

Following  unusually high temperatures in the early autumn December's weather was the coldest in 40 years and had the second-highest level of recorded snowfall in mainland Greece. It even snowed in Pelekas!
 

This year it was the hottest February since 1977, according to meteorologists, and another record hot spell is forecast during March.
 

In  Greece, every month from January to October last year was about two degrees hotter than the average for 1930-1960, confirming fears that global warming has well and truly arrived.
 

The  other big difference is that finally the drachma is no more. People are getting used to earning and spending euros (money is still money whatever it's called) but it will be interesting to gauge the reaction of tourists to the new currency this summer.