Cultural Activities

Local Culture

Mainly its intellectual culture was developed under the Venetian rule. The Kefalonian ‘‘Ballos’’, ‘‘Syrtos’’ and other popular dances constitute an expression of the explosive personality of the local culture. Today, these dances in several feasts are very popular.

Sculpture on the other hand, was developed in woodcarving, and church icon screams in the 16th century. In the 17th century the arrival of Cretan artist in painting, due to Turkish invasion in Crete, gave a new age in artistic icon painting.

A foundation of a Fine Arts school was made. In the 19th century, the famous personality Bonanos raises the marble sculpture. An appearance of a large variety of monuments is taking place and great personalities as well as sculpture.

Drapano Cemetery is an orthodox cemetery whose cultural value exists in the sculptures of the tombs, which date from the mid 19th century up to the inter-war years.

Bridge of Drapano belongs to the period of British rule. It was built between 1810-1814 by the colonel De Bossed. A succession of archways links Argostoli with the shore.

Greek language Theatrical acts are first met in the 19th century. Neofytos Vamas coming to the island began a revival of ancient Greek tragedy. In 1859, theater “Kefalos” was founded. Greek drama opera was performed as well as international repertory.

Literature in the 18th century was blossomed, important intellectuals Andreas Laskaratos, Spyros Marinatos and Babis Anninos appeared. A two-week theatrical festival is organized each summer at mid-July and also dance festivals take place in August.

Cultural Activities and Public Feasts

During the summer, many cultural activities and public feasts take pIace in the different villages of the island.

In Argostoli, you can attend performances of the Cephalonian Amateur Theatre, which are quite remarkable. Also significant is the Music Choral FestivaI taking place at the end of August. Choirs from all parts of Greece and Europe present a unique spectacle.

An important part is also pIayed by our public feasts which will entertain you with our Cephalonian cheerfulness and our Iocal dances. First, we begin with Saint Elias public feast on July 20 in Razata. Then, follows the public feasts’ of Saint Ann in Lakythra on July 25, of Saint Paraskevi on July 26 in Xerizomeno, and of Saint Pandeleimon on July 27 in Kondogourata.

On August 11, we have the public feast of Saint Spyridon in a eave-like little church in Kourouklata. Then follows the great public feast of Our Lady on August 15 with the straηge littIe snakes in MarkopouIo, and of Saint Gerasimos on August 16.

On August 19 and 20, you can have fun and get drunk on the excellent wine «RomboIa», at the Wine Festival which takes place in Frangata. Then we finish with the public feast of Our Lady of Lamia on September 8 in Dilinata. On the same day is the public feast of Our Lady of PIatytera in the colourful Monastery of Paliohersos in Erisos.