Hydra's Carnival Kicks Off 2025 Season

Having spent the last three months in hibernation during, what for me must be, the quietest winter in twenty-five years, yesterday was a bit of a rude awakening. Hydra hit carnival mode at full blast with a smashing turn out, some really good new costumes and everyone had lots of fun.

The 2nd of March 2025, was a warm, bright day, very spring like with no rain. Everyone gathered in Votsi Square from 14:30 and once the music horse (impressively calm and seemed to understand that it wasn't a riot) had fully functioning speakers, the procession set off at about 15:00.

With one of my favourite groups, I think they were Hobbits, beating their drums, the procession wound it's way up Lignou Street to the first stop at the Language School. Here,  Sotiris and Kiki greeted everyone with refreshments and a dance couple who demonstrated how to Salsa which certainly got everyone moving.

Moving on the next refreshment stop was at the beginning of the inland road from Kamini to Vlichos just behind the Kamini primary school. A good excuse for another top up and some Greek dancing. The cats who normally sunbathe in the area, scarpered from the noise without stopping to grab snacks, such was their horror!

Down to the road alongside the Pirofani for another slightly longer break with more dancing, some baklava and yet more photos and catching up with Kamini friends who didn't come into town for the start. This was the home base of the Tzibis family who hand made their Fly costumes which were another of my favourites. With their enormous eyes, I am not sure how they managed the steps without accident!

The last stop on the way back to town was at the Kodylenia much to the delight of those still having lunch. Their afternoon must have been so tranquil and calm until about five when the hoards of carnival goers arrived to shatter the quiet.