Custom of the Captain.
Amature videotaping / audio recording. The six videos record all the phases of the realization of the Captain’s Custom as it is celebrated in Lagada, Amorgos.
Musicians: Theologitis N. Stamatis – Synodinos I. Antonios – Vlavianos M. Evangelos – Vlavianos E. Mihael (Suhalis or Proestos) – Synodinos C. Ioannis (Maragos) – Theologitis D. Nikolaos.
Source: Ioannis M. Kovaios Archive.
VIDEO 1: The procession marches towards the church of Panagia Epanohoriani accompanied by musicians that play and sing the Apokrianos tune (Apokrianos from Egiali).
VIDEO 2:
a) The eldest chooses the “Captain” and “crowns” him by throwing him a vest.
b) Young people of the village dress the “Captain” in a traditional costume.
c) The “Captain” gets on a decorated horse and the procession begins marching again in the direction of the village. The procession is led by the “Banner” – a wooden pole with a loaf of bread, a loaf of cheese and a dried octopus nailed to the top. The cheese symbolizes the week of Tirini, the bread symbolizes strength and the octopus symbolizes Lent, which follows, before Easter. The banner is carried by the front man of the procession, the “Biraktaris”.
d) In the lower square of the village, horse and rider run three times up and down led by members of the procession.
e) The procession begins marching again in the direction of Loza Square. Along the route the procession receives treats.
f) Arriving at Loza square, horse and rider run three times up and down led by members of the procession. All the residents of the village, as well as others from other parts of the island, are gathered in the square, waiting for the arrival of the procession and the beginning of the feast.
VIDEO 3: The feast begins with the Captain and his company dancing “Kitsos.”
VIDEO 4: The “Captain” chooses the “Captainess” and a series of sirtos dances follows.
VIDEO 5: Balos.
VIDEO 6: Series of sirtos dances.
