Blessing the Waters and release white doves to symbolize the Holy Spirit? Greek religious ceremonies are nice if the doves are alive. In Kalamata, however, the mayor released one dove, a dead dove that fell like a rocket into the water instead of flying high in the sky and bring the Epiphany to the faithful.
According to local media, the mayor was holding the dove and the moment he released it the unfortunate bird plunged into the water.
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The dove was floating right in front of the shocked crowd, the priest and the dignitaries until the religious ceremony was over.
On the symbolic side, the incident had the crowd reportedly comment that either the mayor’s political future was over or that he choke his political opponents.
On the practical side, many wondered whether a) the mayor choke the poor bird or b) that it was already dead in his hand and he did not realize it.
PS I bet it was a). And the dove was not even white….
