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Matthew Delapp | Vice Consul to Zakynthos & Kefalonia | British Vice Consulate Zakynthos Representing the UK during the Giostra Di Zante events.
It was the first time that a UK representatives took part in the Giostra Di Zante events on Zakynthos Island.
Mrs Louise Morfis, who is the international liaisons officer for Giostra, was determined that the UK to take part in the events for 2023.
“It is a dream that we have had for several years since the previous President of the association mentioned that Colchester City Pipes and Band, would be the perfect candidate to attend our event back in 2016. With the new President, Mrs Maura Kardari, we were more determined in our efforts and we were honoured that the UK delegates accepted. It was then our duty to invite not only the team of Colchester City but representatives of the UK to our event, that included Mr Matthew Lodge His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Clare Douglas His Majesty’s Consul & Consular Regional Operations Manager for Greece and Cyprus and Mr Matthew Delapp |Vice Consul to Zakynthos & Kefalonia of the British Vice Consulate in Zakynthos. I believe that most of our UK residents and visitors to the Island were proud to see representation this year in Giostra. For me, it certainly was an honour considering our nations strong ties.”
During the event all delegates were received at the Regional Offices and were met by Zakynthian Authorities including the MP of Zakynthos, Mr Dionysios Aktypis, the Governor of Zakynthos Mrs Katerina Mothonaiou and other council authorities.
During Mr Matthew Delapp’s speech it was recognised the close relationships Greece and in particular Zakynthos has with the United Kingdom, as stated below.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and participants, it is an honour to be here today at the Zakynthos Giostra, and I would like to begin by thanking the organizers for putting together such a wonderful event. I know that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make something like this happen, and I am grateful for all that you have done.
I would also like to extend my apologies on behalf of His Majesty’s Ambassador and his Majesty’s consul to Greece, who are unable to attend due to other work commitments. They both wanted to be here today to show their support for this event and to celebrate the historical links between Zakynthos and Great Britain.
Speaking of those links, it is worth noting that even today; Zakynthos remains a preferred destination for British visitors, with around 40% of arrivals to the island being British. This is a testament to the enduring friendship between our two nations and the beauty of this island.
Of course, the highlights of this event are the jousting competitions but also the music and I am pleased to see British participation for the first time with the attendance of the Colchester City Pipes and band this year. Jousting has a long history in Britain, dating back to the Middle Ages, and it is wonderful to see tradition being celebrated here in Zakynthos.
Finally, I would like to wish all the competitors in the jousting competition good fortune and success. I know that you have all worked hard to get here, and look forward to seeing the results of your efforts. May the best jouster win, and may this event be a great success.
Thanks you all for your attention, and enjoy the rest of the Zakynthian Giostra weekend.
After the speech gifts were exchanged among all the delegates, with Colchester making a definite impression among them.
Photos by:- Βαλέριος Καλοκαιρινός
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