Kodiak Island Celebrations
Whalefest
Kodiak celebrates a 10 day long celebration in mid April, for the annual northbound migration of the Gray whales that pass the Island. Local and National experts take the opportunity to share their latest information of these whales and other sea mammals. Local artists submit poster ideas and many special events take place during this time, such as; Com Fish, Alaskan Native games, arts and crafts, and more. Locals are in constant look out and report the sightings of these whales. Many tourists travel from all around the world to see these majestic mammals.
Crab Festival
The Kodiak King Crab Festival is an annual celebration during memorial weekend. This year we will celebrate 51 years. A parade takes place, where we honor our community, organizations, heritage, culture, locals, pets, and even kids can dress up as King crab or other sea mammals (called the Shrimp parade). Carnival rides, food booths with all types of options to choose from- including fresh King crab, the US Coast Guard puts on a demonstration for the crowd, and a buoy race becomes a popular sport (where you must get into your survival gear, run down the pier, and swim out to a buoy in the bay, and climb into a life raft, before the other guy). Drummers and Alutiiq dancers perform for the crowds, and local artists display their newest creations. It is a good time where the community comes together and has alot of fun. The Blessing of the Fleets takes place during our annual Crab Festival. There is a ceremony that honors the fisherman who lost their lives at sea. A local clergy man reads their names to the crowd accompanied by a ringing of a bell. It is also to recognize and honor the fisherman who harvest from the oceans, and their day to day brush with death, struggles, triumph, and bravery. Many commercial fishing vessels line up in the harbor to receive a blessing for protection for their crewmembers, boat, and a good fishing catch for the year. Songs are usually provided by the Saint Herman Seminary choir, and a sprinkling of the boats takes place. Priests from the Holy Resurrection Cathedral and members of the community attend.
Independance Day
In Kodiak, the day begins with the American Legion parade, followed by festivities. Many locals like to adventure out for picnics at the beach or camping for the weekend. Old Harbor, Port Lions, and Ouzinkie also provide a day of fun filled activities, usually with a community parade, BBQ's, and games. Each Alutiiq village has their own unique way of celebrating.
The Christmas Parade of Boats
A very fun tradition in Kodiak is the annual Christmas parade of local boats. Fisherman spare no expense to light their vessels with Christmas lights. It is one unique way the community celebrates the Christmas festivities. It is very beautiful to see the lights glimmer off the ocean at night.
Starring
Russian Christmas is celebrated December 7th, the date is based on the old Julian calendar. Starring is a Russian Orthodox tradition where members go to each others homes, say a prayer and sing christmas carols with a twirling star, blessing each other, and sharing homemade goods.