THE IDENTITY OF KEFALLONIA
Kefallonia: a bridge between East and West, a crossroad of sailing, the largerst of the Ionian islands and sixth in size among the Greek islands.
Area:Â 935 thousand acres (117 thousand acres for Ithaca)
Population:Â 39.488 inhabitants (3.084 for Ithaca)
Administration:Â An independent Prefecture. It constitutes 8 Municipalities, those of Argostoli, Livatho, Palliki, Eleios-Pronnoi, Erissos, Pilaros, Sami, Ithaca and the Community of Omala.
Capital : Argostoli, safely located on the inner side of the third natural harbor of the Mediterranean. It counts 9.500 inhabitants.
Geography:Â The “Megalonissos” of the Seven Islands has plenty of contrasts and diversities. In the north it comprises the Erissos peninsula and in the west that of Palliki. The lacy border of Kefallonia creates smaller peninsulas, bays and capes of rare physical beauty. Replete of geological wonders, its main body is formed by Aenos (1628 m.). It is the highest peak in the Ionian region. Most of the villages of the island are located near the sea. And the rest are on the mountains from where the view is magnificent.
Climate: Mild Mediterranean. Rainy winters and many sunny days throughout the year. The summer winds together with the sea constitute an agreable atmosphere. Mid. winter temperatures: 8.3ο – 13.9 οC. Mid. summer temperatures: 24.4ο – 32.5 οC
Inhabitants: Liberal, original, restless, stuborn, pioneer, energetic, crafty, with sharp and sparkling spirit, merry, endowed with a sense of satire, warm, hospitable, but also furiously localist, tied to the sea and the musical tradition, blasphemous but also completely faithfull to St. Gerassimos, patron Saint of Kefallonia.
Language:Â The Kefallonian dialect is rich in Venetian word remains. Several ancient Greek components are also found.
Musical Tradition: is a mixture of West and Buzantine music. Arietta and Cantada is widely spread in the island and there are many historical Philarmonic Schools.
Cultural expressions – Festivals:Â Many celebrations and cultural shows take place in Kefallonia throughout the year, especially during the summer. These include exhibitions, musical, choral and theatrical performances, dance meetings, lectures, panhellenic and international conventions and custom revival festivals. For more information ask the Cultural Dept. in the municipalites. The main festivals are: Saint Gerassimos (Aug. 16, Oct. 20), Our Lady (Aug. 15 in Markopoulo and Arginia-the Virgin Mary with the snakes-, Agrilia, Peratata, Koronato in Lixouri), Saint Paraskevi (Jul 26 in Xerizomeno, Atheras, Lepeda in Lixouri), Saint Efimia (Jul.11 in the homonymous village), Prophet Elias (Jul. 20 in Kaminarata, in Razata), the Holly Mother (Sept.8 in Dilinata, in Paliocherso in Erissos, in Atros in Poros, in Kipouria in Lixouri). Also the wine festival is celebrated in Aug. in Omala.
Evridiki Livada