In the Orthodox Church, the first day of Lent is always preceded by Karnavali. This year, some of the local Brits decided it was time to participate. Michael Ogden writes:

After watching the Carnival procession in March 2005, it inspired a number of us to say ‘We would like to be part of this’. We arranged a meeting of fellow Brits to see if there was enough interest for us to take part. A group of enthusiastic extroverts thought the theme should be ‘Thank you’ to the people of Kefalonia for being so welcoming to us and the ‘Britain in Kefalonia’ entry came to fruition.

We asked the Argostoli organisers we would be able to enter a float, and they replied that they thought it was a good idea. Various people volunteered to make themselves responsible, for the different tasks. A team were organised to build the float. A model would be made of Big Ben and Tower Bridge and a trailer would be made available to extend the display behind a pickup truck. A large board behind the drivers cab would have a map of Britain inside one of Kefalonia. Our love for the island and our thanks to the people would also be worded on this board.

Assembly would take place at a vacant apartment in Kaligata. A mix of flour, water, paper and cardboard would be used for the buildings. It was all covered in a grey paint, and many marker pens would expire before its completion. A “choreographer” was appointed and “Maybe its Because I’m a Londoner”, “The Lambeth Walk”, and “The Conga” were chosen as our musical pieces.

Everyone made their own costume which portrayed something or someone from Britain. Worked commenced in earnest after Christmas, with many hours spent on the various aspects of the project. We agreed to enter the Kourkoumelata Carnival on the Saturday and the main Argostoli Carnival on the Sunday.

Both days were so memorable, the weather was perfect and it was so pleasing to hear many favourable comments from the Greek locals who took to our display so enthusiastically. “Britain in Kefalonia” included Morris dancers, Policeman, Prison inmate (Benny Hill), Queen Elizabeth II, Pearly Queen, Britannia, traditional Welsh maiden, William Wallace (“Braveheart”), modern Scottish Lady, Football Supporter, Robin Hood, 1960`s fashion model, Red telephone box, Hippy and Lady Huntsman with her horse! Our own video operator and photographer captured the days happenings. We also had a representative to serve on the panel of judges. Carnival takes place before Lent begins and offers the children and many adults the chance to dress up and have a good time. Roll on 2007, we already have plans afoot!! If you are in Kefalonia at this time come and join us. A couple of days later we were pleased and proud to learn that our entry had been awarded 1st prize in the Argostoli Carnival.

To the right are some pictures of the event, showing the ‘Britain in Kefalonia’ entry, and some of the others. If you heard about the week-long blackout we suffered in January, you won’t be surprised that this was a recurring theme in the carnival. Click the pictures to to see and read more...