Markopoulo Snakes
Markopoulo Snakes Kefalonia
Markopoulo is a village situated in the south east part of Kefalonia. It is located high in the hills on a natural balcony above the Katelios region. Situated approx 25 kms from Argostoli the islands capital. It sits on the southern slope of the impressive Mt Aenos.
Markopoulo is a small hamlet on the road between the two main villages of the island. Due to it’s elevated position it enjoys a superb panoramic view of the sea. The village is internationally recognized for it’s phenomenon that coincides with religious celebrations that takes place on August 15th. Annually on the feast of the Falling Asleep of the Virgin (August 15th) the strange phenomenon occurs. During the religious services, small snakes, with a black mark that resembles a cross on their heads emerge near the bell tower, and make their way towards the church itself. The snakes entrance is via holes created for the bell ropes. They go on to crawl over people and furniture. Some worshippers have their photographs taken with these reptiles
When the festivities are over the snakes withdraw, only to return the same time the following year.
These snakes have been named “Our Lady’s snakes” they are not only harmless but also welcomed by the people, most of whom will have come precisely to witness this event. People believe the emergence of the snakes indicates good luck.
It is reported that in 1940 the snakes did not appear, the following year Greece was invaded by the Axis Forces, the snakes did not appear annually during the occupation. They also failed to turn up in 1953, which was the year of the catastrophic earthquake which razed Kefalonia.
In 1705 when Markopoulo was invaded by the pirates of Barbarossa, terrified nuns in a convent begged the Virgin to turn them into snakes to avoid capture. Tradition says that the nuns prayers were answered and the miracle took place.
When the Pirates entered the monastery they were shocked and appalled to see the walls and icons covered in snakes. It is said that since then the snakes return same time and place every year.
