Page 94 - NUMO JOURNAL 2024

FO L LOW

UNVEILING MYKONOS:

A TIME CAPSULE

Despite the influx
of modernity, this

island emerges
as a beacon of

authenticity in a
rapidly changing

world, inviting
travelers to

embrace its
timeless allure

and experience
the magic of a

bygone era.

Mykonos boasts a remarkable
six hundred churches, each with
its own significance. On the eve
of the feast day dedicated to
the saint after whom the church
Robert McCabe, a dis- is named, these sacred sites there were no telephones, no television, tors alike reveled in the age-old customs
tinguished photographer hailing from come alive with celebration no running water... Each island had to of the island. Even today, Mykonos has
Chicago, embarked on a transformative and reverence. While larger essentially live within its resources... Per- many well-known festivals where you’ll
churches host grand "panayiri"
journey to Greece in 1954, forever alter- A DAILY SCENE AT A MYKONIAN COMMUNITY, MARATHI, 1939. PHOTO: HERBERT LIST festivities, smaller churches haps by scrutinizing life in the 1950s, we have the opportunity to meet the “old”
ing his perception of the world. Capti- MONUMENTS OF THE AEGEAN,” HOSTED AT THE MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART, AND FROM ROBERT MCCABE’S BOOK ON MYKONOS IN THE 1950S. offer more intimate gatherings. can gain unexpected insights into some traditional Mykonians who still keep the
vated by the timeless allure of the Ae- PHOTOS FROM THE EXHIBITION “ROBERT MCCABE. MEMORIES AND Families entrusted with the aspects of life in the 3rd millennium B.C." island’s customs with traditional songs
gean, McCabe dedicated over a decade care of each church take pride Among the gems he uncovered was and instruments. The most famous fes-
to traversing its islands, capturing the in organizing these events, Mykonos, a haven of tradition nestled tivals during the year are on June 11
ensuring that the traditions and
essence of a bygone era with his lens. rituals are upheld with utmost amidst the azure waters of the Cy- (Panagia Festival in Tragonisi), June 30
In an era devoid of modern amenities, care and devotion. clades. With its six hundred churches (Apostles – Feat of Fishermen), July 7
McCabe found solace in the simplicity and vibrant festivals, Mykonos offered a (Agia Kyriaki in Delos), July 27 (Agios
of life on the islands. Reflecting on his glimpse into a world untouched by time. Panteleimon in Marathi) and on August
experiences, he remarked, "When I first McCabe's lens captured the essence of 15 (Panagia Tourliani).
visited the islands in 1954, by and large these celebrations, where locals and visi- Another hidden gem is Bagkogia's kafe-

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