Koufonisia Island, Greece

Pori

The Beach Of Pori

Landmarks

The island's museum, which is going to be housed in the old school's building, will be open soon. Its exhibits will be findings that date from the prehistoric period until now^{[citation needed]}. Keros is an archaeological site, a sample of the Cycladic civilization and culture. Eminent statuettes, symbols of the Cycladic civilization, the Piper and the Harpist, which are now exposed at the Archaeological Museum of Athens were discovered on the island.

Sightseeing

There are many places of interest that someone should visit during his stay on Koufonisia, such as the central and the back port, the piscatorial shelter, the carnagio, the windmills and the churches of Agios Georgios, Agios Nikolaos and Profitis Ilias. The fishermen in their small boats (caiques) is a characteristic picture of the island. The full-moon nights and Keros' view in the moonlight are a unique experience for the visitors. According to the residents of Koufonisi, the contour of the deserted island in the night resembles a female, prostrated Cycladic statuette. According to the same description, the first full moon (in 21 of June) is coming up from the vagina of this female figure. The church of Virgin Mary is one of the most important sights on Koufonisi, whereas in Keros apart from the archaeological findings, one can enjoy the magic sunrise.

Architecture

Cycladic architecture is prevalent on Koufonisia. The exterior surfaces of houses and all other buildings are painted white and blue in order to match with the boundless blue of the Aegean Sea and create a modern but also magic atmosphere. The interior of a typical house of Koufonisia consisted of three rooms: a bedroom, a kitchen and a large room used as living-room. The roof, known as "Steosa" was usually made of reeds, wood, earth and a kind of wood taken from fida, called "kontarida".

Events

Saint George is the patron saint of the island. On his name day, the 23rd of April, there is a procession of the saint's icon. "Panigiras", who is an islander votary to the Saint, is going around the island holding the icon in his hands. The roads that he passes by are full of roses. After the end of the procession, a traditional feast takes place in the village's square. Food - veal, braized with potatoes, patsas and wine are offered to the visitors. All the taverns of the island take part in the feast. Easter is celebrated traditionally on Koufonisia. On Good Friday the port is floodlit by torches and on Easter the sky is full of fireworks. On the last Saturday of June the "feast of the fisherman" is organised on Koufonisia. Young people dance traditional dances and the most popular island songs are heard. Fresh fish, snacks and drinks are offered.
The feasts are characteristic of Koufonisia and give a traditional color to the island. A big celebration is held on the 20th of July in the name of Prophet Elias and on August 15. On the 15th of August the celebration of Panagia (Virgin Mary) takes place at the little church of Kato Koufonisi. After the service the people offer food and then they are carried back to Pano Koufonisi by the fishing boats. They compete with each other who will get there first and when they are back, a feast takes place. Last but not least, the name day of Agios Nikolaos and Christmas are celebrated in a special way on Koufonisia- the most characteristic moment is when the older residents of the island sing the Christmas carols. During the epitaph's procession the sky is lit by fireworks and events are organized on the main beach of the island.

Wedding traditions

The wedding used to be a very special moment for Koufonisi's residents. The first step was the matchmaking and the second one the engagement. After some days, the couple undertook the wedding preparations. Both the parents of the bride and the parents of the groom offered their products- meat, sweets, traditional pasteli and kserotigana. The families of the bride and groom invited the people to the wedding. When they were on their way to the best man's and the maid of honor house, they were accompanied by musicians. After that, the bride and the groom were invited to join them and they made their way to the church. The party after the wedding ceremony lassted two days. Eight days later, a second party was organized which was also known as "antigamos".