 The new mayor of the Municipality of Corfiots, Mr. Sotiris Michalef, talks to Irene Vlachou about Christmas in Corfu.
Q: What is so special about Christmas in Corfu?
A: Christmas in Corfu still retains something of the magic of childhood.
Time seems to have stopped when one sees the little children gathering round and singing their carols. Aromas of home baked sweets and good, traditional food fill the air and everybody enjoys walking around the festively decorated shops.
For us, the Christmas celebrations begin on the evening before the 11th of December, the day which is devoted to our beloved patron saint, Saint Spiridon. Many traditional events take place during the festive period, and the remarkable thing is that these musical and religious celebrations continue until New Year’s Day and Epiphany. These Christmas traditions have reached us through the centuries, and remain almost unspoilt.
Q: Is it possible for our island to meet the demands of our foreign guests during Christmas?
A: People who choose to travel during Christmas are divided in two categories.
Those in the first category choose mountain excursions, combined with skiing.
The second category prefer to visit towns that have a strong identity of their own and organize many cultural events.
Our guests belong to the second category. Corfu Town has a magnificent historical centre (it is a candidate for enrolment among UNESCO’s monuments of universal heritage) and it has a lively and variable market for shopping. Also, during Christmas there are many interesting cultural events that take place.
Combining all of the above with Corfiot hospitality, we believe that can meet the expectations of our guests.
 Q: Does Corfu attract many guests at Christmastime?
A: Corfu has been known for many years as a popular summer holiday destination in the Mediterranean area.
Guests are pleasantly surprised however when they come to Corfu and realize that the island may be visited all year long. The island offers tranquillity, for it has lovely, relaxing areas for guests who prefer a more peaceful way to spend their holidays.
The climate is mild and the natural environment is of exquisite beauty. There are many sightseeing opportunities, as well as aquatic sanctuaries, rare kinds of birds, a variety of pretty flowers and interesting paths for walking. Many hotels of all categories are open all year long. Corfu can be easily reached by boat from Italy and the Greek mainland. We are also seeking more direct flights from major European airports during winter. Another reason that strengthens the necessity of a more regular air connection is that there are around 15,000 European residents in Corfu.
Q: As the new mayor of the Municipality of Corfiots do you aim to increase the promotion of Corfu Town?
A: Our town receives one million guests every year. At the height of the summer season we experience difficulties with heavy traffic and lack of parking spaces due to the increase in visitors. Our priority is to find immediate solutions to these problems, allowing our guests to be able to reach Corfu Town more easily and to choose the destinations that they are interested in, after being given the right information. We also plan to enrich the program of our cultural events, so as to attract the interest of the visitors and locals alike.
Q: Do you believe that Corfu is well propounded abroad?
A: Corfu has a remarkable reputation abroad as a tourist destination. Of course though, this is not enough. For the last 50 years, guests have seen Corfu as a popular holiday island, but as I have mentioned, it also has natural beauty and a great historical wealth. Corfu has many friends all over the world and we, as the new municipal authority, want to honour them by opening new ways of regular communication. This way the guests will be informed about many remarkable events, which take place in our island throughout the year.
Q: What would you like to say to our foreign guests who are planning to spend their holidays in Corfu at Christmas?
A: I would say that they should be left to be captured by the fascination of Corfu. I suggest that they stroll along its historical, narrow streets and visit the two fortresses. The fortresses offer spectacular panoramic views and are of major historical interest. I recommend visits from Garitsa to Kanoni and to the famous Mouse Island. They may take a journey through past times, if they visit our Municipal Corfiot Art Gallery, and if they experience our traditional music bands. Gastronomic journeys are also highly recommended, for Corfu has a delicious, traditional local cuisine. Famous local dishes, sweets, fruits and wines may prove to be a whole new experience. I also suggest a visit to our small but very rich and interesting local market.
Our wish is that the tourists who come to Corfu as guests should go back home feeling like friends of our island, with the longing to return.
I would like to wish to all visitors and inhabitants of our island, and of course the whole world, peace, health, happiness and well being for a prosperous and creative 2007.
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