Platrithia Panighiri, Greece Ithaca 2005

Overall this years Panaghias was a disappointment, although a group of Metal Heads did seem to enjoy throwing themselves around the dance floor after some internal lubrication made them less self conscious, and in the early hours, a fight broke out, which held some entertainment value for the 'Die Hards'. The two sets performed by Mr. Andrianatos, local member for the New Democratic Party, also made the Panighri rise above its' predicament, but for many that just wasn't enough. Hopefully the local council has already booked the usual Panighiri Band for next years Festival, so as not to make so many in the community and most of the tourists, eager to be a part of this special celebration, suffer such disappointment again. Guess no one considered the usual band may have other gigs to play. A lesson learned, we hope.

Music has much to do with the success and failure of a Panighiri. Sadly for many, this years' Plathrithia Panighiri went down like a led balloon with the impromptu band that filled in for the usual Panighiri Band, which had been booked in Cephalonia for the night. With eyes closed, Platrithia could have been Munich for the October Fest. Organ and Oompapa for most of the night. The unrehearsed 3, sometimes 1, sometimes 4, sometimes 5 piece band, apologized to the crowd for not knowing all the tunes, but no apology could have excused the transformation of the last big Panighiri of the Summer, from a usually great night into a pitiful town hall dance in Hicksville. Thank god for Mr. Andriantos, who reminded all that this was indeed a Panighiri, by singing his usual bag of tunes loved and danced to by the crowd.

The souvlaki, as usual, were great, and the aroma, as they grilled over the hot coals, wafted through the Square. Had the music been enjoyable, the hundreds and hundreds of attendees would have made for the biggest Panighiri in Platrithia for quite some time, but by 2am, many had fled with disappointment painted on their faces.

When the Bouzouki player came on stage, the night was resurrected somewhat, but it still didn't hurt to have had a drink or two already working on the vibes.

Platrithias' 2 bar set up oiled the machine and kept the party going, but still, disappointed niggling stirred through the crowd. Mr. Andrianatos went on stage for a second set, something not usually done, but the effort was much appreciated and did help to bring dancing feet back onto the Squares' dance floor.

If ever there was a Panighiri that needed a little help from the stock behind the bar, this was it. The community volunteers made sure all were happy in that department and kept the drinks coming right into the early hours of the morning.

Ithacans are generous with their forgiveness and although the Platrithia Panighiri was not the 'Wow of a night' all had been awaiting, it was another opportunity to be among friends and neighbours as they celebrated Panaghias and the Name Day of Panos.

When the drummer didn't fall off his stool playing a drum roll, there were moments when the music lifted the dance floor crowd to enjoy the songs of the Rebetiko and Tsiftiteli.