What's New On Ithaca Greece
September 2024
Sunday 1st - After a few wet days, the sun came out again, but it looks like there'll be more in the coming week. It's actually a nice relief after months of temperatures in the mid to high 30's.
Wednesday 4th - The September light has changed Summer into it's impending end. There's still another month at least to go, but you can definitely feel the change.
Below - Polis Beach
Above and Below - Frikes Bay.
Above - Raxi. Below - Filitou, on the way to Homers School.
Above - Platrithia view from Lahos.
Saturday 7th - It's still hot and a bit muggy, mostly sunny with some cloudy periods which help with the heat a bit. Vathy and Kioni still looking very busy especially with incoming yacht traffic. Summer is not over yet.
Monday 9th - Below - An photo of Frikes in the early 1900's before roads, before tourism, pre everything you think of Frikes today.
Below - The annual celebration at Kathara Monastry. A feast day of the Nativity of the Theotokos (the Birth of the Virgin Mary), which is celebrated on September 8th. In many regions, especially in the Ionian Islands, the evening of September 7th is marked by religious services known as Vespers, leading up to the main feast day.
Saturday 14th - We've had some stormy times on Ithaca, it's frightened away a few visitors, but not all and as long as the sun keeps shining, they'll be Summertime left to enjoy.
September 2024
Summer on Ithaca Greece
Sunday 1st
Still lots of people on the island, especially from the yachts and the almost daily bus tours.
Wednesday 4th
Saturday 7th - Frikes Restaurants report a good season so far. It's positive news that the lack of the tents has not had too negative an effect on business.
Monday 9th - A bit of a mix of skies since the start of September. A few clouds are very welcomed after such a long hot Summer.
Below - These celebrations in Kathara Monastry are significant in Greek Orthodoxy, as the Virgin Mary (or Panagia in Greek) is a highly revered figure. Churches dedicated to her hold special services, and the faithful often participate in prayers, liturgies, and processions. The eve of September 7th, leading into September 8th, is a time for reflection and devotion, with many people attending the evening services to honor the Virgin Mary.
This period is also associated with various local customs and traditions across Greece, including the decoration of icons, communal feasts, and other acts of veneration. The Nativity of the Theotokos is one of the major feasts in the Orthodox Church, and its observance on September 7th and 8th reflects the deep religious and cultural connection Greeks have with the Virgin Mary.
Below - The far side of Frikes.
Saturday 14th - Mid September and the days are getting shorter, much shorter. The light too, is different, softer, diffuse.