Hydra Carnival"Apokries" meaning Carnival and held 41 days before Greek Orthodox Easter, is essentially a pagan celebration at the beginning of spring with emphasis on fertility hence the bride and groom leading the procession, although it must be said that some of the "brides" on Hydra could be described as more of a deterrent to fertility than an encouragement.In the Roman and Byzantine period, the carnival was marked as a tribute to the magical qualities of nature - now as with all carnivals, fancy dress is worn with everyone parading their costumes along the carnival route and through the town.

The date changes annually, depending upon when Orthodox Paska (Easter) falls. Lent begins 40 days before Paska and is still observed as a period of fasting from animal produce and oil by many Greeks. Carnival is always held on the Sunday before Shrove Monday - a last fling as it were before Lent.

Carnival Parade on the Coast Road at KaminiCarnival is always a hilarious day, and great fun to join in even if you are a visitor to the island, you'll certainly get a good walk and see lots of the great views along the way.

Everyone gathers in the square opposite the Ydroussa Hotel in anticipation of the parade starting at 3:00. Locals and visitors pose for photos, compare outfits and every year are frequently heard to say "I didn't recognise you" in a variety of languages. Pan our unofficial harbour master beats the drum to set the pace.

Carnival a pagan festivalThe parade heads off along its usual route up Lignou Street, passing Four Corners supermarket picking up stragglers in Kamini at Hilary Square where there's a short pause for everyone to catch their breath.

Then down to the coast, around the harbour at Kamini, then back inland along the top road to Kiaffa. At Kala Pigadi there is always a rest so that everyone can catch up, have a drink and something to eat. Refreshments are donated at the stop off points and for the final party in the town by households along the route, the Mayor's office and various businesses.

Stopping for refreshment during Carnival in HydraAnd finally the carnival winds it way back to the town via Miaoulis Street with a detour to the back of the Cathedral so the parade can walk the length of the harbour front to the applause of the onlookers.

The carnival party is traditionally hosted by the Douskos Taverna in the square called Xeri Elia and it continues late into the night with lots of Greek dancing and a lot of early Paska fire-crackers.

So don't forget your costume and bring your camera with you if you're going to be on the Hydra for this happy celebration.