Zakynthos Cultural Inheritance
Poetry and Literature of Zakynthos Island
Over the centuries, Zakynthos (also known as Zante) has produced many significant figures whose contributions have shaped the island’s cultural identity and influenced the lives of future generations in numerous ways. The blossoming of literature on the island became evident as early as the 15th century, when many writers and poets gained fame for their poetry and prose. Nikolaos Loukanis, a poet and translator of Homer’s Iliad, was one of the most renowned literary figures of the time. In the 16th century, the first Greek Academy was established in Zakynthos. Interaction with European and Cretan cultures greatly influenced Zakynthian literature, which often praises the importance of religion, country, women, and nature. The island’s cultural development reached its peak in the 19th century with the birth of Andreas Kalvos, Dionysios Solomos, and Elizabeth Moustan-Martinengou.
Elizabeth Moustan-Martinengou was one of the first Greek women authors to earn a place in a male-dominated literary tradition, thanks to her significant contributions. Andreas Kalvos composed twenty classical Odes - innovative poems with a musical character, inspired by the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Both he and Dionysios Solomos used many elements of demotiki, the language of the working class. Kalvos’s verse, “Freedom requires courage and virtue,” inspired the struggle for freedom for many years to come.
Dionysios Solomos, the national poet of Greece, studied and lived for many years in Italy but divided his time between his beloved Corfu and Zakynthos. His works express a deep passion for freedom and speech, and his prose piece "The Woman of Zakynthos" is considered one of the finest examples of modern Greek literature. In 1864, verses from his poem "Hymn to Liberty" were adopted as the Greek National Anthem. Another highlight of his work is "The Free Besieged", dedicated to the heroic fighters of Mesolongi. In 1821, in Western Greece in the town of Mesolongi, a small group of villagers was trapped for months in an old castle, surrounded by Turkish forces. Though they fought with pride and courage, the siege left them with no food or water. In a final act of heroism, they decided to break out in a courageous Exodus, known as the "March of Heroes," where even the youngest children joined the resistance with sticks and stones in hand. It was during this time that Dionysios Solomos, having heard the cannons of Mesolongi, poured his frustration and sorrow into his most powerful poems. Tragically, following the massacre, no one survived to tell the tale. This story, spread by the secret revolutionary organization Filiki Eteria (Association of Friends), helped ignite the Greek people's desire to fight for independence. One of the prominent members of Filiki Eteria was Theodoros Kolokotronis, who lived in Zakynthos during that time.
The Local Music of Zakynthos
Music and song have always played a major role in the lives of Zakynthians. In antiquity, they worshipped Apollo, the god of music, art, and light. It was during this time that a local Zakynthian musician named Pythagoras created a variation of the lyre, this one featuring seven strings. The people expressed their love for music by minting a coin—one side depicted Pythagoras, and the other, his famous lyre. The folk music of Zakynthos is called Kantades—sweet, romantic melodies with elements of Italian bel canto and Cretan Arekia. The word Kantades comes from the Italian verb cantare, meaning “to sing.” These songs were traditionally performed by men under a girl’s bedroom window to express their love. Kantades were written for four-part harmony, accompanied by guitar and mandolin. They are unique to the island and are still commonly sung in local taverns and at family celebrations. Kantades are always sung in chorus. The first music school on the island was established in 1815 by the Italian professor Marco Batajia, and the Zakynthos Philharmonic, founded in 1816, is considered the oldest in Greece.
The Zakynthos Opera and Operetta
There is still a big love for Opera and Operetta on the island of Zakynthos, and there is no greater shame than singing a false note in these performances! It is even claimed that tryouts for opera and operetta took place at the famous old theatre (no longer standing) located in what is now Dionysios Solomos Square. If the performance received enough applause, it was considered worthy to be performed in Venice. Visitors often referred to Zakynthos as "Little Venice" or "Little Paris"—and with good reason. The island was once overflowing with wealth, beauty, education, art lovers, and refined taste. For this reason, Zakynthos was seen as the Center of Culture for Hellenism during that time.
Theatre on Zakynthos
The Zakynthian passion for dark humor -likely a way of coping with the oppression of the aristocracy- led to the creation of a unique form of local theatre known as “Omilies” (Discourses/Dialogues). These are folk poems with a theatrical structure, written in fifteen-syllable verses that rhyme every second line. They are considered imitations of Cretan theatre, brought to Zakynthos by Cretans who fled after Handakas (Heraklion) fell to the Turks in 1669. This is why the Omilies closely resemble works of Cretan literature. They are considered one of the most authentic and complex forms of folk theatre. A defining characteristic of the Omilies is that all roles (both male and female) are performed by men. These performances, usually staged by amateur actors during the carnival season, often include satire and commentary on everyday life and politics.
Kira Sarakosti – Mrs. Lent
Sarakosti is the oldest of the major fasts in the Orthodox Church, established in the 4th century. Originally, it lasted six weeks, but a seventh week was later added. It is called Sarakosti (meaning "forty") because it spans exactly forty days from Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday) to the Friday before Lazarus Saturday. It is referred to as Megali (Great or Big), not because of its length, but due to the significance of what it commemorates—the suffering of Christ—and its role in preparing the faithful for the great feast of Easter. The tradition of fasting is very old, meant to imitate the fast that Christ undertook in the desert. Sarakosti passes slowly for those observing the fast, especially in the final days. Since people in the past did not have calendars to mark the passage of time, they created a visual countdown called Kira Sarakosti—or Mrs. Lent. They would draw her on paper as a nun with no mouth, symbolizing fasting. Her hands were crossed in prayer, and she had seven feet, one for each week of Lent. Kira Sarakosti was hung on the wall, and each Saturday one of her legs would be cut off. The final leg was removed on Megalo Savvato (Holy Saturday) and hidden in a dried fig or a nut. Whoever found it was believed to have good luck. In some regions, Kira Sarakosti was made from fabric and stuffed with feathers.
The Zakynthos Carnival
One of the defining elements of Zakynthian identity is the preservation of traditional customs known as “Andetia.” These are customs and habits passed down from generation to generation with reverence and continuity. Up until the beginning of the 19th century, the Zakynthos Carnival was widely known and celebrated, attracting visitors from the Peloponnese and across Greece to the island. Over time, the tradition faded, but in recent years, it has been successfully revived. In the villages, preparations for the carnival begin as early as Christmas with rehearsals for the Omilies (folk theatrical performances). These are staged during the carnival season, starting on Tsiknopempti (the Thursday before Carnival) and continuing through Cheese Sunday (Kyriaki tis Tyrinis). Carnival officially begins on the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, the fifth Sunday before Lent. The three weeks leading up to Clean Monday are marked by dietary changes as people gradually stop eating meat—carne meaning meat, and vale meaning farewell in Latin. These are followed by the 40 days of fasting known as Sarakosti, in preparation for Easter.
First Sunday (Tou Asotou – Gourounokyriaki): The proclaimers walk through the streets to announce the beginning of the Zakynthian Carnival. This marks the start of Omilies and village funfairs.
Tsiknopempti (Thursday before Carnival): The King of the Zakynthos Carnival enters the capital. In the afternoon, meat is roasted outdoors. Tsikno refers to the aroma of grilled meat, and Pempti means Thursday.
Second Sunday – Piccolo Carnival: Piccolo means “little ones,” and this day features a parade by and for the children of Zakynthos.
Last Sunday: The grand Zakynthos Carnival parade takes place, featuring many satirical performances. Two old Zakynthian traditions that have recently been revived are the Giostra, a horseback jousting contest, and the Venetian Wedding, both featuring elaborate costumes, masks, and enthusiastic public participation. The traditional Gaitanaki dance is also brought back to life. The festivities conclude with the Burial of the Mask (Povero Carnival), symbolizing the end of the celebration.
Kathera Devtera – Clean Monday: During the last week of Carnival, colorful kites are sold everywhere. On Clean Monday, people head to the hills to fly their kites. If the weather is kind, families enjoy a picnic, marking the final meal before the Lenten fast begins.
