The Parade, the Pizza, and Peter the Pelican: Our Final Day in Mykonos
Psalm 118:24
Our final full day in Mykonos began the way most of our
days here have—around a table breaking bread.
The breakfast buffet was as abundant as ever: Greek breads,
cheeses, eggs, bacon, sausages, cold cuts, olives, fruits, pastries, pies,
nuts, preserves, juices, and Americano coffee. But for me, the highlight has
become a slice of dark wheat bread, toasted, topped with butter and honey.
Sometimes the most memorable tastes are the ones that whisper rather than
shout.
After breakfast, most of our group joined Emily for a
walking tour through the village as we made our way to the parade site. Along
the way, we stepped into another Greek Orthodox church that had opened its
doors for the holiday. There’s something sacred about entering a quiet
sanctuary before stepping into a bustling celebration, a reminder to center ourselves
before the noise of the world.
Today is Greek Independence Day, commemorating the
beginning of the Greek War of Independence in 1821 against Ottoman rule. For
days, the island had felt peaceful and unhurried, but today, everything came
alive. The streets filled, more shops opened,
and the waterfront village buzzed with energy. In many ways, this marks the
beginning of the spring and summer season.
The winds, however, made their presence known. While Santorini
reportedly experienced winds exceeding 50 mph—confirming the wisdom of our
changed plans—we encountered steady gusts around 25 mph here. Along the
waterfront, where the parade unfolded, it felt even stronger. Hair danced
wildly, jackets flapped, and we stood close together as a force of resistance.
Celebration has a way of rising above discomfort.
The festivities began with music, traditional dances, and
speeches, building anticipation for the parade that started at 1:00 p.m. A band
played from a raised platform, and then came the procession—one of the most
heartwarming sights of our journey.
Students from local schools filled the streets, beginning with the youngest and moving to the oldest. Some wore traditional Greek attire, others their school uniforms, but all marched with pride. After them came teachers, scouts, and representatives of law enforcement. Each group was met with warm applause from the crowd.
It was a beautiful picture of heritage, identity, and hope
passed from one generation to the next.
As the historian Herodotus once wrote, “Great deeds are
usually wrought at great risks.” Today’s celebration was a living reminder
of that truth.
Following the parade, families reunited with their children
and made their way to the waterfront restaurants. The island shifted from
ceremony to celebration, from marching to meals.
Ten members of our group were fortunate to find a table
inside Vento, a cozy Italian restaurant. We had one thing on our
minds—pizza—and it did not disappoint. After days of Greek cuisine (which we
have thoroughly enjoyed), this felt like a delicious change of pace.
From there, the afternoon scattered into small adventures. Some made their way to Davinci Gelato for a sweet treat, others browsed the newly opened souvenir shops, and a few returned to their rooms for some well-earned rest.
This free time has been a gift. Some in our group connected
with another Missionary Journeys group that arrived yesterday—fellow travelers
whose plans were also rerouted when the Celestyal Cruise was canceled. Like us,
they too will return to Athens tomorrow to complete their journey.
But perhaps one of the most memorable encounters of the day
came unexpectedly.
On our way to the parade, we met Peter—known locally as
Petros—the island’s beloved pelican mascot. With his light orange, almost
peach-colored feathers and unbothered demeanor, he seemed perfectly at home
among the crowd. The original Petros arrived in Mykonos in the 1950s and
quickly became a symbol of the island. Since then, others have carried on his
legacy.
“Consider the birds of the air…” Jesus said in Matthew
6:26, reminding us that even in their simplicity, they reveal something of
God’s care.
Tonight, we’ll gather for one final dinner in Mykonos at
Mosaic—though not until 8:00 p.m., the earliest reservation available on this
festive holiday. Afterward, we’ll pack our bags once more, preparing for an
early departure. Luggage must be ready by 5:30 a.m., followed by a “take-away”
breakfast box and a bus ride to the ferry.
And just like that, our unexpected extended stay comes to a
close.
We didn’t plan to be here this long. We didn’t expect the
detours, the delays, or the changes. And yet, standing here now, we can say
with confidence:
If you’re going to get “stuck,” there are far worse places
than Mykonos.
(pool and hot tub at our hotel)
As C.S. Lewis once said, “You can’t go back and change
the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
These days in Mykonos have not been what we planned—but
they have been personable and memorable.
And maybe that’s the point. The journey is not just about
where you intended to go—
but about what you discover along the way.
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