Miaoulia Festival is the largest festival on the island of Hydra, dedicated to Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, a prominent historical figure of the Greek War of Independence. The event takes place every year in late June and lasts for about a week.
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Miaoulia Festival
Andreas Miaoulis died on 24th June, so to determine the dates of the festival, the island authorities count back from the weekend after that date, depending on how much time the activities booked for the celebration will take. Saturday and Sunday after 24th of June culminate the Miaoulia Festival with the brightest shows and colorful fireworks.
Miaoulia Festival was historically quite a bloodthirsty commemoration of the Greek success at the revolution against the Ottoman Empire. A lot has changed in the 200 years since then. Today, it is an occasion for Hydra to celebrate everything this small tight-knit island community has to offer, with parades, art displays, and tributes to locals and foreigners related to Hydra, like Leonard Cohen and Melina Mercouri, who were both honored during the festival in 2015. The 2017 event was also dedicated to the late Leonard Cohen.
With the emphasis on the productive and aspiring aspect of Greek history and how the island was shaped by its events, Hydra hosts celebrations and parties and welcomes representatives of the government and navy, as well as any other person wishing to participate in the festivities.
The last Saturday of the festival is marked by a historical re-enactment of the Greek-Ottoman Battle and an amazing fireworks show – in 2022 it falls on 25th June.
This is a very specific Hydra event, dedicated to the war of independence, which was centered on this island. The initial single-day celebration has evolved into almost two weeks of festivities and events, attracting people from all over Greece and foreign tourists.
The final day of the Miaoulia Festival includes a Holy Mass at the Cathedral and the transfer of the vessel containing Admiral Andreas Miaoulis’ heart from the Archive, with a memorial service at his statue held later.
Andreas Miaoulis
The Miaoulia Festival commemorates Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, a fighter for independence who won a number of decisive battles against the Ottoman Empire.
Andreas Vokos Miaoulis, (born 1769, Negropont, Euboea, Greece—died June 24, 1835, Athens), was a Greek patriot who successfully commanded the Greek revolutionary naval forces during the Greek War of Independence (1821–30).
During the Napoleonic Wars, Miaoulis amassed a sizable fortune through his wheat-shipping company, which he dedicated to the Greek war for freedom against the Turks.
He was assigned leadership of the major Greek naval forces in 1822, and he beat the Ottomans in battles along the coasts of Modon, Cape Matapan, Suda, and Cape Papas. His soldiers rammed fireships into the Ottoman fleet, and the sinking of the flagship, and this spectacular event is reenacted every year during the festival.
Admiral Miaoulis died on the 24th June 1835, and this day has been celebrated on Hydra as an annual event to commemorate his life, along with others, for the important role he played during the Greek War of Independence.
Hydra Island
Once the center of revolution, today Hydra is a famous elite tourist destination. It charmed not only jet set from around the world, but also artists, like Chagall and Picasso.
The small mountainous island is located in the middle of the Saronic Gulf, not far away from Athens. A sample of the classy beauty of Greek islands, Hydra was a filming location for such movies as “A Girl in Black” and “Boy on a Dolphin”.
A local peculiarity: there are no cars on Hydra island. People go on foot around the island, or use boats or donkeys. The island’s magnificent stone homes, along with the island’s automobile restriction, create a delightful ambience, making it one of the most tranquil locations around Athens. To find a guide to show you around, visit GetExperience.com.
