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It’s a big deal. Every town in Greece has a parade today. It’s 8:30 and every channel on the TV in my very comfortable BnB is relentlessly churning out historical documentaries or world wide news coverage of Greek parades all over the world.

Spiritual and worldly leaders stood on a modest reviewing stand and watched as a brass band and groups of school kids ( each convinced that they alone were marching to the correct beat of the drum). Scouts, naval cadets and the small group of elite graduates passed before the revered elders of the town

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In no time the parade was over and the town flooded into cafes, ice cream parlours and up scale restaurants. The florists and bakeries did a roaring trade as polite guests bought hostess gifts for those who were frying up the traditional dish of cod accompanied by garlic sauce, beets and various side dishes.

How lovely it was when my niece stood up from the dining room table where the analysis of the neighbors and local politicians was the general conversation. Off we went for a drive around the “ lake” , in face a salt water lagoon.

What struck me today was that everyone in sight knew exactly what was going on and were united in thinking that the whole day’s activities were wonderful! It is a long time since I have been in a town where I could be 99% sure that any person I spoke to in Greek would understand me. I’m petty sure I like it…,but it’s very unusual, oh, as a nod to the religious side of the holiday, anyone called Evangelos or Evangelina was feted and congratulated. An interesting day.