Laterna

Life’s difficulties are carved in his face but trying to seem happy as he’s trying to earn his living to provide for his family. The tradition of the Greek barrel piano, or as we call it here in Greece, the laterna, is being carried through generations. Although it’s fading away in our days you can still witness some men patiently turning the crank and producing beautiful melodies sounding like a loud music box in the streets. This is one of the most beautifully decorated I had ever seen with the red color of the flowers and the tablecloth dominating the scene. His name is Spiros. He’s one of the few last remaining people that are carrying this tradition. The songs of the famous Manos Hatzidakis are the ones that are being played. One of the signs reads “laterna, poverty and sense of pride and multi-child parent”.