It was my eighteenth summer on Lemnos – my birthplace – and I can say that it was one of the most enjoyable spent on the island so far. Not much changes on Lemnos, or so I thought. I have always considered it a place where you step back in time, or a place where time has stood still. In many ways Lemnos is a forgotten Greek island, and is certainly overlooked by governing bodies, as services to and from the island are limited, and seem like an afterthought. Poor ferry and airline services make it hard to get to, expensive, and it is often bypassed by tourists who prefer islands closer to the mainland.
Its remote location in the North East Aegean Sea is a major factor in keeping the island cocooned and somewhat protected from events that affect the rest of Greece. On the surface, you do not get a sense of suffering as a result of the great financial crisis. The impression is that everyone on Lemnos is fine. The cafeterias and tavernas were full in the evenings, and the paniyiria had incredible patronage, with folk that were well dressed, and of a happy disposition. The number of luxury vehicles circulating also deluded one into thinking that there is no crisis on the island, which has a strong agricultural base.
Yet as summer wore on, one became acutely aware that an undercurrent of change was emerging, and this desire for change was being driven by intelligent, young Greek adults who want greater things for the island and indeed their own futures. Young Greeks who were tired of being labelled lazy frappe drinkers, young Greeks who had returned to the island to start businesses that would attract more tourists to the island, but who were finding it difficult, due to a lack of support by current politicians, who were stuck in a world of nepotism, favours and who lacked vision.Thus was born The Lemnos Festival 2013.
The Lemnos Festival 2013 was the brainchild of Yiannis Sofianos who, with a dedicated team of assistants, had the idea of bringing young people who cared about Lemnos together, to exchange ideas, to discuss possibilities for a better future, and indeed to get to know the island better, and explore its potential. The results were outstanding. The festival was held over two consecutive evenings at the High School of Myrina, on the Romeiko coast, for an entry fee of ten euros. What started as essentially an exchange of ideas turned out to be a wonderful showcase of what talent exists on the island, bringing together local producers, artists, musicians, craftspeople and business people, who were invited to set up booths/exhibitions with samples of their products. Attendees were spoilt, as they sampled excellent local wines, sweets, herbs, jams, cheeses and other great local products. Artists, photographers and craft folk proudly exhibited their work, ranging from handmade dolls, to handbags and purses made entirely from recycled newspapers and magazines. Stunning work, and things I had not seen elsewhere. As one left the exhibition area and entered the spacious school yard, a rock concert was well underway with local, talented young musicians performing for an audience of peers, who were moving to the rhythm as if hypnotised.
The festival however kicked off on a very serious note, with a meeting where the mayor and some of his councillors were available to take questions from the audience. They were bombarded with questions by young entrepreneurs who expressed their concerns about the status quo, and their feelings that those governing had failed to grow infrastructure and fight for the island’s future. One by one they made their presence felt, and it became clear that they were a force that was here to stay, and that they were determined to bring about the change needed to go forward. I was moved to hear and see such passion from Lemnian youth, and young Greeks who chose to make Lemnos their home. I shed a tear as I listened to these bright young people who shared their goals and dreams, not just for themselves but for the island. Young people who were prepared to take responsibility, recognising that the future of Lemnos was in their hands, that if they did not step up, they would certainly face a future that was more of the same. At last I thought to myself, the voice of reason compelling the youth to take charge.
As we left the festival with all senses nourished by what we had seen, smelt, heard and tasted, there was a strong sense that Lemnos was not standing still, nor forgotten, but rather was being propelled forward by a dynamic, creative and intelligent youth who have lots to offer. I only hope this desire and determination to bring improvements and change expressed through the Lemnos Festival 2013 gathers strength, and does not lose momentum. That the efforts being made are recognised, encouraged and supported. I felt very lucky to have been on Lemnos to attend the festival. It was an event born with good intention, and was full of hope and optimism. It was created by quiet achievers, who know that power lies in numbers, and that it was time for action.
Another summer holiday came to an end, and in addition to the usual visits to inspiring ancient sites, swims in the crystal clear waters of Lemnian beaches, happy family get togethers, walks to the Kastro, open air concerts and theatre, we had experienced something new. As the plane faced south on the runway, homeward bound to Melbourne, I was certain of two things: that there would be a Lemnos Festival 2014, and the cars, no matter how flash, will occasionally still have to stop for the shepherd and his flock of sheep to cross the road, truly a sight to behold.
Iliofotisti Katsanos is a high school teacher.