Corfu, April 15 – The Central Corfu Municipality has released a statement, including remarks from Mayor Stefanos Poulismenos, regarding the island’s Easter review. The overall assessment of this year’s Easter events, particularly those centered in the Old Town of Corfu, is overwhelmingly positive, drawing tens of thousands of residents and visitors.
Slight Decrease in Port Arrivals Noted
Despite the general success, official figures from the Central Port Authority of Corfu indicate a minor and explicable dip in arrivals compared to the previous year. The data for the Igoumenitsa – Corfu & Lefkimmi ferry line shows:
- Passengers: 37,277 (a 5.27% decrease from 38,945 in 2025)
- Private cars: 8,245 (a 6.90% decrease from 8,742 in 2025)
- Buses: 221 (a 6.90% decrease from 248 in 2025)
Specifically for Corfu Port:
- Passengers: 32,115 (a 5.55% decrease from 34,002 in 2025)
- Private cars: 7,004 (a 6.48% decrease from 7,489 in 2025)
- Buses: 174 (a 14.29% decrease from 203 in 2025)
Among the numerous visitors were notable figures including Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, Deputy Minister of Education Nikolaos Papaioannou, Deputy Minister of Shipping Stefanos Gikas, Regional Governor Giannis Trepekli, German Ambassador Andreas Kindl with his family, Lefkada Mayor Xenophon Verginis, and Olympian Pyrros Dimas.
Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback for Corfu’s Easter
This year’s organization has left a lasting impression of success across all sectors, garnering favorable comments from almost everyone who expressed an opinion on Easter in Corfu. This is strongly supported by numerous online posts, which contained praise for:
- The city’s impressive historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The island’s unparalleled natural beauty.
- The unique ancient religious customs and liturgical rituals, with the sacred relic of Saint Spyridon holding a prominent position.
- Corfu’s proud Philharmonic Orchestras and Choirs, whose melodies significantly contributed to elevating the senses and creating a devout atmosphere unique to the island.
The successful execution of these events was functionally and organizationally supported by the collaboration of the Municipality with the Church, Police, Traffic Police, Port Authority, O.L.K.E., E.A.K.K., and all other local authorities and services, including support structures like the Fire Department, EKAV, and the Red Cross, as well as directly involved professionals.
Exceptional Cleanliness and Operational Efficiency
The Municipality achieved a high standard of cleanliness in the city, thanks to the excellent organization and effective activation of the Sanitation Department. The department recorded impressive performance during peak times, such as:
- Good Friday, before and after the processions of dozens of Epitaphs.
- The early morning hours of Holy Saturday with the procession of the sacred relic of Saint Spyridon.
- Especially at noon on Holy Saturday, after the First Resurrection, when the enormous volumes of broken ceramics from the central streets of the historic center had to be quickly collected.
A big thank you was extended to the employees of the Sanitation Department, their supervisors, and the politically responsible Deputy Mayor Pantelis Giannoulis. The Daily Services, Lighting, and Greenery departments also received appreciation for their employees’ efforts in making the city more beautiful and adequately lit. Warm thanks were also extended to their supervisors and the responsible Deputy Mayors Gerasimos Anyfantis and Efthymios Poulismenos.
The executives and staff of DEYAK (Corfu Water Supply and Sewerage Company) were commended for their tireless efforts in ensuring the problematic water supply network fully responded to the high consumption conditions during the Easter period. The significant contribution of the Civil Protection employees in their requested areas of action was also highlighted.
The Culture Department, with its limited staff and volunteer team, played a crucial role in the smooth running of the Easter events, under the overall direction of Ceremonial Master Fotis Skourtis and the guidance of Deputy Mayor Nikos Vradis.
For the preparation of peripheral parking areas, Deputy Mayor of Technical Services Andreas Kardonas worked tirelessly alongside municipal staff, and was also thanked. Gratitude was also expressed to the service executives of the Municipality’s support mechanism and the Deputy Mayors of Finance and Tourism. The important role of the Presidents of the 46 Communities of the Municipality, who meticulously managed their respective areas for the seamless execution of Easter events and the best possible image of their settlements, was also acknowledged.
Traffic Management and Media Coverage Praised
Thanks were extended to Traffic Police Commander G. Konstantis, Port Authority Chief A. Schoinas, the Urban KTEL Administration, Tourism Entrepreneur Vassilis Kaloudis, and the partners of the P.I.N. bus drivers E. Kotinas for the FREE provision of their buses for traffic regulations, parking management, and the transfer of drivers and passengers to and from the city center.
Appreciation was also expressed to the local and central media outlets for their coverage and promotion of the unique events of Corfiot Easter, without any financial demands.
Finally, satisfaction was expressed for the collective response of catering professionals and their association, who for the third year in a row, removed their tables and chairs for the unobstructed passage of processions and epitaphs, and ceased playing music for the agreed three-day period.
Mayor Addresses Incident After Resurrection
Regarding an incident that occurred on the night of the Resurrection, following a journalistic invitation for a public blessing, Mayor Poulismenos stated with clarity and sobriety that the Resurrection is a moment of special symbolism, belonging to citizens, faith, collective emotion, and hope. In such moments, public discourse must serve unity, not confrontation. Therefore, his reaction was of the moment, and he expressed his regret for what happened, both for the place and the manner.
However, he also emphasized that the relationship between public life and information requires mutual respect, measure, and responsibility. Criticism is necessary in a democracy, as is the seriousness with which public figures and institutions are treated. When current affairs are exhausted in snapshots, impressions, and easy confrontations, the essence is lost. And the essence today for society lies elsewhere.
It lies in the infrastructure that needs to be improved, in water management, cleanliness and waste, traffic and the daily operation of the city, the enhancement of culture, the quality of life of residents, and the support of villages and neighborhoods. The focus should be on making the place more humane and functional. That is where control should be exercised, where criticism should be made, and where answers should be given, because citizens expect solutions, not recycled tensions.
With respect for all and with full awareness of the responsibility of his office, the Mayor affirmed the continuation of their work, more mature from every experience, more dedicated to the essentials, and with the steady goal of responding to the real needs of society.
His blessing: Christ is Risen! May the light of truth and love illuminate the minds and hearts of all.
Source: Startmedia.gr
