Friday 15^th April – Messolonghi (‘Exodus of Messolonghi’)

38:21.668N 21:25.004E

This morning the weather was fair and the wind light.  As our neighbours on our port side had left yesterday, we took the opportunity to shuffle Pyxis and Electric Monk down the quay a place so that Electric Monk aren’t being asked to move each time the marina want to use that bit of quay to lift or launch a boat.  All went smoothly and Richard and Dave got the chance to tinker about tweaking mooring lines the rest of the morning.

After lunch we did the obligatory run up to the supermarket with trolley to continue restocking – bilges almost full now.

There are various special events going on in Messolonghi at the moment in the run up to the memorial of the ‘Exodus of Messolonghi’ this weekend.  It is considered one of the most courageous and important historical events of the Greek War of Independence.  It took place on the night of 10^th April 1826 but ended in tragedy following betrayal (more details).  It is remembered annually over the weekend of the Saturday of Lazarus and Palm Sunday.  Events this year include photography and art exhibitions, concerts, parades and speeches and visits by many senior dignitaries, including the Greek President and various foreign ambassadors.

This evening there was an event at the Heroes Garden marking the 185^th anniversary of the death of Swiss Philhellene Johann-Jacob Mayer – a memorial service including the Messolonghi choir, speeches by the Mayor and various dignitaries including the Swiss Ambassador, medal awards and a rehearsal of the representation of the blowing up of Kapsalis.  Richard ventured back up to the top of town and watched some of the proceedings.

Messolonghi:  Heroes Garden

© Pyxis 2011