Greece have had there problems in the past) come to Kefalonia and take part in Mentor has given the Island and the people here a real boost.
There are other celebrations that take place before May, when the main tourism season starts. Greek Independence Day, which falls on the 25th March, is one. One this day there is music and festivities all over the Island, the biggest of which, happen in Argostoli and Lixouri, the two main towns. Each town has a Parade in celebration of this day, which all the children take part in.
Easter is another and probably the biggest event of all but often prior to this religious celebration is the Carnival. All the surrounding villages take part; each has their own themed float and all participants are in fancy dress. This tradition arose from the period when the Turks occupied the Island. The Greeks were banned from conducting these celebrations during this time and so any religious festivities had to be celebrated in secret. Because the locals were driven under cover they were forced to disguise themselves, lest they be recognized. And so fancy dress became a part of the custom and tradition of many Greek events. It is a wonderful event with children and adults all dressed in a variety of colors, there's music and traditional dancing and generally an air of excitement and joy, a must to witness for any visitor.
The 23rd April is another important day in the Greek calendar and elsewhere. This is St George's Day but also happens to be the National day of Greece. Again there are celebrations, music and small marches to commemorate this day.
So, as you see, life after tourism does exist on this somewhat sleepy Island and it is still possible to get here during the winter. Ok, so it means taking 2 flights, one to Athens and then a hopper to Kefalonia but with the price of Easy Jet flights these days, this can be done for about the same money you would pay in the summer.
The other alternative of course is the 1 flight option to Athens, then a 3-hour coach drive to Patra, a 3-hour ferry ride to Sami (on Kefalonia's East coast) and then no more then an hours coach drive to any part of the Island you may choose. A long haul you may think, but I have made this journey and it's not as bad as it may sound, it's much cheaper for a start. The coach, plus ferry fare is about 32 euros one-way and at least this way you get to see some of Athens and its surrounding towns and countryside.
The ferry is also very comfortable, with good, large couches to lounge on and food and drinks available from the café-bar on board. You get to see some of the wonderful small islets that abound the Ionian Sea and coming to Kefalonia out of season can give you a much better insight into the lives and culture of the people here. Life on a sleepy winter Island can be a wonderful experience. Kefalonia is an Island to be enjoyed at any time of year.
