THIS YEARS FESTIVAL OF THE 99 HOLY FATHERS IN AZOGIRES

Over 1000 people visited Azogires this year on the 3 days festival of the 99 Holy Fathers, which started on the evening of Monday 6th October and finished on Wendesday afternoon. It was a true and Mystical festival unlike any other ever seen in the past ten years.
After the Church service everyone went to the cafe for traditional evening festival.
On the photos you can see the Priests prepairing for the sacred ceremonial service

Tuesday morning the worshipers waitng for the start of the service

The bones of the 99 Holy Fathers it is said that they hold secret healing powers

Inside the Church

THE NEW BOOK EXCHANGE IN AZOGIRES

At last a book exchange in Azogires!

It's the Alpha Cafe "Bring a book - Take a book" programme and it's free!

"Now the locals and tourists have something to keep them going on cold winter nights" says Mr. Arthur Jarvis resident of Azogires.

"I agree" quoted Mr. Martin Webster, also resident of our village.

Next time you're in town, why not bring and take a book of your choice?

GRAPE STAMPING SEASON IN AZOGIRES

This year like every year, the residents of Azogires took part in the stamping of Grapes in order to make Raki and Wine.
A Cretan tradition for over 3000 years, as you can se on the photo the stamping is done by a Lady. The Ladies were always preferered for this kind of work because it is considered good luck.
In the Ancient days this was done by a virgin so that the Wine will take upon her innocence and become luscius and sweet. Don't forget to check back on the blog in a Months time for the Raki making.

HARRIBOBS AND MANDAKI IN AZOGIRES ONCE MORE

In a suprise visit from the most famous couple on flikr, Mandaki and Harribobs visited our village once more. We hope to see them again next Summer.

A FORGOTEN TRADITION BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE

It was more than 100 years ago that this tradition had its place in the Cretan family.

On Crete, as well as in mainland Greece, your Names Day is more important than your birthday, so the old Cretan ladies, instead of buying gifts like they do today, used to make

something known as the ΞΕΡΟΤΙΓΑΝΟ-XEROTIGAN. This is a cake, somewhat similar to the ones they make today for Greek weddings and baptisms, but in a larger form and they would dress it with wildflowers and other good looking things.

This year on my Name Day my Aunt Georgia from Asfendiles brought this tradition back to life just for me.

It is said that they bring good luck and happiness to your house and I guess I will find out this coming year!

You can view the treat on the above photos - don't forget you may not see another one for the rest of your life.

THE ANDY MILLAR MEMORIAL BACKGAMMON CONTEST

The seventh international Azogires Backgammon contest took place on the 16 of August in loving memory of Andrew Millar. We had contestents from 8 different countries and it was very sucesfull event.

First prize winner was Pete from Canada and second prize winner was Sakis from Lebanon, both veterans of the Azogires tournament

In the Consolation round, with what I call Women power, winners included first time player Linda from England and 11 year old Jessica, who shocked everyone by nearly defeating the three times Champion Sakis.

They all receved a title and a prize and promised to re-enter the competition next year.

Note: if anyone wants to purchase a copy of the above Backgammon board, they can do so in Paleochora behind the Agricultural Bank in "Only Natural."

(Final Note; No information has been received as to where Lucky finished in the competition.)

INVASION FROM OLD RESIDENTS

We had an invasion from the Lebadas - Wolfgang and AnnaMaria that is -who have been coming to our village as long as they can remember. (Not to mention that they actually lived here back in the 80s for quite a long while and survived!)

All their children have Ancient Greek names and we hope to see them again next year following their return back home to Austria.