200th Anniversary Miaoulia Festival 2021

This year, because of lower visitor numbers and locals avoiding large gatherings (many stayed at home and watched from their terraces) I found enough space to watch and film from the best position I've ever had in 20 years of enjoying this celebration.

For me, it was all the better because I could share the excitement with my 4-year-old grandson. It was Anastasis' first close-up experience and he yelled and clapped his support throughout from what turned out to be ring-side seats.

We were right next to Pan Lembessis who was waiting next to the boat that later took the Hydriot crew on their stealthy trip out of the harbour to reenact the destruction of the Ottoman Flag Ship. My little Anastasis was firmly convinced that Pan and the crew really were going out to battle when he earnestly wished Pan good luck and stay safe. For those who have never experienced Hydra's Miaoulia Festival, Hydriot Pan who for years has noisily and gruffly organised boats mooring in the harbour, has become somewhat of a mascot taking part in the annual reenactment to steer the Hydriot 'fireship' to the Ottoman flagship as Admiral Miaoulis did 200 years ago.

Pan and the crew needed all of Anastasis' good wishes. The small boat carrying about 15 'crew' was almost blown up alongside the 'flagship' which exploded within seconds of ignition. When Pan returned, he was spluttering with indignation, calling down all sorts of curses on the head of whoever had packed the explosives too close to the top on the Ottoman Flagship. "I had to throw myself to the bottom of the boat so it didn't take my head off" he grumbled. It turned out that the reenactment was nearly as dangerous as the original death-defying manoeuvre!

The greeting of the President and the narrative of the story was enhanced this year with projections against the front facades of the larger buildings around Hydra harbour. From most of the harbour though, it was impossible to see what was happening on the Eastside where the key activity took place because the harbour was so crowded with yachts! So I hope that the organisers won't mind one personal request for next time to have a live-broadcast cameraman to film and project more of the speeches and activity so that more people can enjoy what happens.

The firework show this year has to be the longest and best ever. The music and coordination of the 'dancing' fireworks were seriously impressive and from above the harbour, the show must have been even more spectacular.

I would like to add my personal thanks and congratulate the Municipality and huge team of organisers of this year's spectacular 200th Anniversary Celebration. Given the restrictions and headaches caused by the Covid crisis, they managed to still create an event to be truly proud of.

Anastasis was almost tongue-tied with admiration when we rushed to congratulate Pan on his safe return to the quayside. In spite of Anastasis being almost as tall as Pan now, Anastasis will forever think of Pan as a giant of a man!