They were the first "hippies", destined to become thousands in just a short time. During the whole year they lived in caves, in small groups, as couples or entire families just as their primitive ancestors did, without any commodity of the modern world and refusing any contact with consumerism. After many years, perhaps driven by nostalgia, they are back.
Arn Strohmaier, German writer and journalist, has said that "They were people like me who wanted to experience the world and gave absolute precedence to Matala. For them it was like a holy duty to be here. Later though, these people changed. They went on with their studies and many of them today have become well-known scientists or university professors. Their image was different than the one people had of them. In fact, to some the presence of hippies wasn't entirely accepted by the local community." "They are dirty people who have to leave Matala", the locals would say, also convincing a bishop that they were "dangerous" elements for the Orthodox Church. And so, the bishop sent a letter against the Hippies without knowing that it would have made Matala famous all over the world. One month later, in July 1968, Life magazine printed on the cover of its issue a young couple in front of one of the caves in Matala and inside was a report by Thomas Thompson and with beautiful pictures by Denis Cameron. That was all that was necessary. Overnight, Matala became a famous place. From all over the world young hippies flocked to the place, transforming the small village in Crete into the world capital of flower power.
Even this year, for the second consecutive year, the region of Crete, in collaboration with the municipality of Festos, has organised a festival for them, for the hippies. The "MatalaFestival 2012", which ended on June 4, according to the organisers was a great success, to the point that they are thinking of institutionalising it. The beach in Matala once again filled up with people, music and colours. A full three days and three nights. Many concerts were organised, together with beach bars, theatre shows and a series of happenings for all ages. Under the famous caves in Matala where Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Joni Mitchell wrote their songs, the main scene of the festival hosted many famous names of music and art, both Greek and foreign.
"I feel born again", said Strohmaier, also a hippie in Matala in the 60s and today one of the members organising the festival.
"It's amazing for me to be here again, in Matala, just as it was then, listening to the same music and living once again the same feelings of yesterday and today. I'll be back each year for the festival" he assures.
Source: ANSAmed
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