The Greek media have been highly critical of it, and there have been calls for its termination. But the locals insist that the custom is a tradition they inherited from their ancestors. Kalamata's mayor and upper priest have been supportive of the event.
The Greek media have been strongly opposed to it, and there have been demands for its cancellation. However, the locals firmly believe that the custom is a heritage they received from their forefathers. Kalamata's mayor and upper priest have been supportive of the event.