A walk into tradition - Corfu, Greece

April 2009. Exactly 13 years ago I spent my Easter holidays in the incredibly beautiful island of Corfu, or if you prefer Kerkira.
Kerkira is in the Ionian Sea, part of the Ionian islands. A famous destination and there are plenty of good reasons for that. Also the most famous destination for Easter holidays in Greece, mainly because of the tradition of "Botides", that this post is about.

The Old Town of Corfu is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site and the feeling is great as you walk at the central square, Liston. This is where the celebration of "Botides" takes place and people get ready for action.

So, what is it about?

Corfiots mark Holy Saturday with a strange old custom referred to as the “botides” - where large clay jugs filled with water are thrown from the balconies of homes in the center of town, smashing into pieces onto the streets below as thousands gather around to watch.
Visitors come from across the country and abroad to view the popular event. The sound of the pots crashing is thunderous, and fearless spectators stand quite close to the crash sites, struck by the spray of water and shards of clay, although local organizers said no one has ever been seriously injured during the custom.
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Some say that it is a tradition taken by the Venetians, that used to throw their old belongings every new year, transferred by the locals on Easter day.

Some say that it is a tradition from ancient Greeks that they used to smash old pots every spring for the new crop to be successful and the new pots to be full. I like this option :)

Whatever the reason is, the inhabitants of Corfu deeply believe that this will send the evil away and they keep a smashed ceramic piece until next year for good luck.

I usually like quiet places and I avoid the crowds. That time was an exception, my brother was getting married the following day, so I had to be at this island that specific time.

To be honest, it was a lot of fun and I had a great time, although I didn't get any closer to the fallen pots. They are literally thrown in front of the people, which I find crazy.

Many kids were around and they were fascinated, so I took some of their joy and participated fully becoming part of this big fiesta.

At the end everyone gets ready for a festive lunch and the balconies empty!

While some have to take care of the mess left behind.

I have to admit that looking at these photos feels like it was in another lifetime. In the post-covid era these photos look so... distant.

I have been thinking all week about human interaction. Especially during this last period, it has been weird - distance, masks, rules, fear. Luckily people always find ways to interact with each other. You see, Human Interaction is the theme for this week's Qurator's Photo Quest by @qurator and really put me into thoughts.

I was digging my (very poor) photo archives as I was thinking that it's been a long time since my last big trip when I found this folder. And I felt like sharing with you that trip as a very happy carefree moment from the past, so this is my contribution to the wonderful #wednesdaywalk challenge by @tattoodjay and #makemesmile by @elizacheng.

Happy walks and happy travels everyone!

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