Anoghi Panighiri, Greece

Panaghias

It was cold and windy. Threatening skies made many think twice before heading up to the mountain village of Anoghi, known for the low clouds that embrace the traditional village in an eerie mist during the winter and occasionally during the Summer. Those who braved the wind and made their way up, were treated to a pleasant surprise. A great Panighiri atmosphere radiated around Anoghi and into its' tiny streets. The dance floor was never empty, the band played the best they had ever played and despite the wind, the Anoghi community, Ithacans from all over the island and visitors to the island enjoyed a really fantastic Panighiri.

To find a parking spot if you arrived after 11.30pm, was a little difficult. Seeing lines of cars parked along the side of the road before the lights of the village glowed in the distance, meant that a walk into Anoghi was necessary.

Time went by quickly. Before anyone knew it, it was 3am and there were still more people coming to Anoghi for Paniaghias.

All agreed that it was a record attendance to the Anoghi Panighiri. People squeezed in from church to sign post.

Although the Panighiri band plays the same songs in the same order each Panighiri, they are entertainers who can make each night special.

The dance floor is surrounded by the Clock Tower, Café and old church of the village. The feel of the Anoghi Panighiri, as with the Exoghi Panighiri, is that of being traditional. The old architecture all around, the solitude of a mountain village and the sounds of night with the Milky way overhead, lighting up the black skies once away from the Festival glow of the village centre.

For those wanting a quiet break, the village Café provided a retreat. An open door overlooked the dance floor while the stuffed falcon overlooked the Patrons.

By 1am, few noticed there was wind whistling through the ruins and the Cypress trees. The clouds that had dropped a damp blanket over the village, cooled the sweaty brows of the community, completely absorbed in their tradition of Greek dancing at Panighiri time.

The Anoghi Panighiri was a great success and extremely enjoyable for all who attended. This festival had the spirit of old with the fervour of the young, to inject life into this sleepy village, high up in the mountains of Ithaca.