Authorities in Greece are growing increasingly concerned about a popular local tradition on the island of Sikinos. At the end of the summer tourist season, locals take part in a festival, which has become known as “The Dive”.
As the passenger ferry departs for Athens’ Piraeus with its last batch of tourists and sounds its horn, island residents leap into its foamy wake to celebrate. They swim in the turbulent waters to bid a fond farewell to both the ship and its departing visitors. However, Greek authorities have warned locals that the tradition poses a serious threat to their lives.
People could be pulled under the water and drown, or worse still, get entangled in the ship’s propellers and suffer a most horrible death.
In a bid to stop this dangerous behaviour, the Coast Guard this year stationed officers along the edge of the port. Despite these precautions, a number of hardy locals managed to slip past the security cordon and dive into the waters.
Though risky, the custom appears to remain a cherished moment of community pride, that residents are not prepared to give up even if it could lead to death.
Sikinos is one of Greece’s most secluded islands, tucked away in the southern Cyclades. It offers a striking contrast to its more famous neighbours, such as Santorini and Ios.
With a population of just a few hundred residents, the island is renowned for its untouched landscapes, traditional whitewashed homes, and tranquil pace of life.
Accessible only by ferry, Sikinos remains largely undisturbed by mass tourism, making it a destination for travellers seeking to get away from the “madding crowd”.
Its capital, Chora, is perched on a hillside and is crisscrossed by a labyrinth of narrow alleys. The city has a number of stone-built churches and offer sweeping and stunning views over the Aegean Sea.
The island is also still dotted with terraced vineyards and olive groves, sustaining local life.
