Miaoulia

Hydra is famed for its Miaoulis Festival, or Miaoulia, commemorating Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, an important Hydriot naval commander in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1827), and his leadership in the Battle of  Elder. The event closes with the “Happening,” a reenactment of the sinking by Miaoulis’s men of the Turkish flagship in the Battle of Elder; the performance features the siege and burning of an actual boat in the harbor and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.

The preceding week of the festival includes a series of celebratory events, including boat races, folk dancing, athletic, artistic, and other cultural exhibitions, concerts, and the like.

The festivities conclude with the transfer of the heart of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis from Historical Archives–Museum of Hydra to the Holy Cathedral for a divine liturgy and doxology and then to the Castle of Kavos (next to the Miaoulis statue by the canons on the east side of the port) for a commemorative prayer.

Learn more about Admiral Miaoulis.