Skiathos Katsonia Festival

The Katsonia Festival is celebrated every September on the island of Skiathos. It is held in honor of the submarine Lambros Katsonis which sank near Kastro in September 1943. The submarine was trying to intercept a German troop transport, when it was unfortunately attacked by the German submarine, UJ-2101.

The tragic event led to the loss of 32 crewmen and the capture of 15 other men. Some others, such as Lt. Eleftherios Tsoukalas and officers Anastasios Tsigros and Antonios Antoniou, managed to swim continuously for 9 hours and reach the shores of Skiathos. These men hid on the island till they could return safely to Egypt and rejoin the Greek Naval fleet.

Both officials and locals take part in the Katsonia Feast organizing a glorious celebration and throwing flower wreaths into the sea. A re-enactment of the sinking is also held. The festival means to honor the brave soldiers who lost their lives for their country and those who managed to escape this horror and bravely went back on duty. If you visit the island in early September head down to the port of the island in Skiathos Town to see the festivities in action.