August is a great time to visit Corfu! The 11th of the month is a day of celebration for the Corfiots seeing that they commemorate one of St Spyridon’s greatest miracles that took place in Corfu town in 1716.
(You can read all about this miracle, and a lot more on St Spyridon in this post.)
For a few days near August the 11th, the whole island celebrates with public concerts and varkarolas, the latter being whimsical night shows in the sea with illuminated boats and music.
In the morning of August the 11th, there is a grand procession of St Spyridon in Corfu town, and for three consecutive nights the three greatest philharmonic orchestras of the island perform public concerts in the bandstand (Palco), which is in Spianada square near Liston (the bandstand is pictured in the first poster below).
In detail:
PUBLIC CONCERTS IN THE BANDSTAND:
PROGRAM:
‘Kapodistrias’ performs on August 10
‘The Old Philarmonic’ (Palia) performs on August 11
‘Mantzaros’ performs on August 12.
I may be partial, but if I were you I wouldn’t miss the last one. ‘Mantzaros’ plays a piece that is very close to my heart and is quite special in its execution as well. In one of the ancient Venetian buildings on the side of the square, at an open window, a trumpet player joins the orchestra from afar in what I can only describe as an absolutely magical musical conversation in the still of the night. I highly recommend you witness this at least once! My grandparents used to take me to these concerts in the 80s and 90s, and we always enjoyed this particular piece together.
All concerts start around 21:00-21:30.
VARKAROLAS AROUND THE ISLAND
I have some sad news first. It seems the annual varkarola in Petriti has been cancelled this year. The council has issued a formal announcement that it is cancelled out of respect for the passing of Mrs Margarita – the wife of the president of the cultural club of Petriti – as well as to express their grief for the deadly forest fire in Mati, Attica on July 23rd. They’ve also announced that their local chorus and dance groups will not participate in any events for 40 days for the same reasons. Here is the formal announcement in Greek.
Below, you will find a list of four other varkarolas, three of which are confirmed and available for you to enjoy!
The annual varkarola at Paleokastritsa is themed this year, and the theme is the Odyssey 🙂 Coming up soon – August 4!
Agios Spyridon Perithias: Mark your calendars! – August 7
The varkarola in Faliraki, Corfu town is not a public varkarola but is a private spectacle organized by Imabari Lounge Bar. As the poster above mentions, you need to pre-book (cost unknown – please check). Coming up on August 7.
Possibility of a varkarola in Garitsa (Corfu town, within walking distance from Spianada square): No announcement has been made as yet, so I can’t tell you if one will take place this year. If you plan to be in Corfu town on August 10, it’s worth asking around! If there’s going to be one, it will start around 21:00.
Please note: All information is correct today that I’m writing this post! Best to check online or ask around near the time for any changes.
For more events around Corfu this August, go HERE
For detailed info on the life and miracles of St Spyridon, go HERE
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