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Traditions from Greece
The Jan. 6 Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs brings out young men of Greek heritage with a special intent: Dive into the chilly Tarpon Springs water and bring back a cross. The finder of the cross is believed to enjoy a year of good luck.
Local George Billiris grins broadly at the memory of his dive so many years ago when he managed to snag just a fifth of it because in those days "it wasn't just the young lads but also the professional (sponge) divers and there was no politeness about it."
As he stretches back in his chair at a local cafe and adjusts his Greek fisherman cap, Billiris, now in his late 70s, recounts Tarpon Springs' early days when his grandfather arrived to start the family sponge-diving business and a tourist boat enterprise.
Greek sponge divers converged on Tarpon Springs in the early 1900s and developed the world's largest sponge industry. The city has "sister-city" status with a Greek island, Billiris explains, and Greek divers were brought over to work.
It's All Greek To Me
Though many people's introduction to Greek came courtesy of the classic movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," Tarpon Springs offers a real education in Greek life and culture.
Visitors can cruise local waters on the St. Nicholas Boat Line and see a live demonstration of sponge harvesting. Or they can cruise through the streets, stopping at local shops and cafés such as Mykonos Restaurant, where the aroma of roasted leg of lamb wafts throughout as patrons soak up the atmosphere.
Dimitri's on the Water offers traditional Greek fare such as spanakopita (spinach pie in filo dough) and mousaka as well as steak and seafood, all served in an updated ambiance with views of the Anclote river. At the nearby Costas Restaurant, just off the main thoroughfare of Dodecanese Boulevard, waitresses and customers all seem to be speaking Greek. Locals rave about the traditional Greek salad and home-made bread as delicious, strong coffee is poured.
Need to work off a few calories? Head to nearby Anderson Park on Lake Tarpon (boat access to the lake and a nature trail), as well as the glorious Gulf of Mexico to the west, where you can stop at Sunset Beach Park during sunset for a picture-perfect moment. The Fred Howard Park offers sheltered pavilions, playgrounds and barbecue grills. Rent a boat, go fishing in-shore or off, take a cruise down the Anclote River (the lighthouse was built in 1887), or bike your way to many scenic spots.
With so much to see and do, plan on staying a few days. The town is also easily accessible via the Jolley Trolley, which travels morning to night from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
