Location information

Local festivities

  They are organised in many parts of the island mainly during the summer months. The sounds of cephalonian music reflect strong western European influences and the prevailing instruments are the violin, the accordion the mouth-organ and the mandolin.
  Among the local dances are Balos and Divaratikos. "Kantrilies" (Quadrille) and "Lantsieres" are also performed during the festivities.
  The most important monastery festivities are at Aghios Gerassimos’ Monastery on 16th August and 20th October, the procession of the icons at Sissia Monastery on Low Sunday and Virgin Mary’s feast in Markopoulo on 15th August.
  During this feast small snakes appear in the church forecourt and around Virgin Mary’s icon. These snakes are harmless for the pilgrims and the local people regard them as sign of good luck for the island.
This text (extract) is cited January 2004 from the Assoc. of Local Authorities of Kefalonia & Ithaca tourist pamphlet.