Gallimaufry#109

THE DONKEYS OF SANTORINI

As we browsed through the assortment of souvenirs in a shop in Pyrgos, we heard the jingling of a bell. Stepping outside, the sight of a weary donkey laden with supplies tugged at our hearts. While common in Santorini's landscape, the sight evoked sadness witnessing these gentle beings toil under heavy loads.

In Fira, these docile creatures, with their soulful eyes and burdened spirits, are used to ferry tourists—many of whom are overweight—up and down the steep and unforgiving 588 cobbled steps of the Karavolades stairs. They suffer grueling work all day under the brutal Greek sun. Despite their resilience, they face harsh conditions, sometimes without food, water, shade, or rest. Some embark on long journeys to reach the stairs and endure equally long journeys back home at the end of their shifts. 

Donkey taxis at the Karavolades stairs

The Karavolades Stairs

For centuries, donkeys stood as Santorini's unsung heroes, serving as the lifeline of the island's economy and daily existence. Negotiating the island's rugged terrain and steep cliffs posed significant challenges, but the donkeys emerged as the perfect solution. They skillfully transported goods, harvested crops, and facilitated transportation for both people and materials across the vertiginous slopes.

Despite technological advancements in transportation, certain areas on the island remain inaccessible to vehicles. The intricate network of narrow pathways and steep inclines continues to present challenges that larger vehicles cannot surmount. Consequently, donkeys persist as an irreplaceable mode of transportation, particularly in these hard-to-reach locations.

Their agility and intimate knowledge of the terrain render donkeys invaluable for navigating tight passages and reaching places beyond the reach of conventional means. Their unwavering strength and dependable nature establish them as indispensable contributors, revered for their vital role in ensuring the island's survival and prosperity.

The donkeys in Santorini carry heavy loads up steep paths, day in and day out. Their tired eyes and slow steps tell a story of exhaustion and hardship, a silent sadness hidden behind the tourist-filled streets.

Befittingly, donkey statues stand as ubiquitous tributes, honoring the unwavering fortitude and invaluable service these creatures render.

Donkey decor in the yard of an AirBnb rental in Pyrgos

An AI-generated image of the the unsung heroes.

One of them looks up at the sky as if seeking solace from the heavens