The “Idaean Celebrations” is a multi-thematic cultural programme that strengthens cultural life in the Psiloritis area, highlighting local heritage through visual arts, music, theatre, and participatory activities.

Each year, the programme brings together artists, local organisations, and the public, creating an immersive experience of the place.

 

Funding: CLLD LEADER (Local Action Group AKOMM–Psiloritis Development S.A. OTA)
In collaboration with: Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark

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Idaean Celebrations 2025

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Date: 1 August 2025
Location: The Shepherds Land, Anogeia
Admission: Free

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Exhibition | Views of Psiloritis

A visual arts exhibition inspired by the natural materials and traditional culture of Psiloritis, featuring works across different media (painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, etc.).

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Participating artists:
Giannis Magdalinos, Antonia Mavrokosta, Dimitris Memos, Zacharias Roditakis, Vivian Stavrakaki-Bagkeri, Babis Chairetis, Giorgos Chairetis

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Special participation:
Anogeia School of Weaving Art — Pilot Weaving Programme of KEDIVIM, University of West Attica (Ministry of Culture)

 

 

Workshop | Interactive weaving workshop

An open workshop for both children and adults, inviting the public to take part in the creative process and become familiar with traditional weaving techniques.

 

Implemented by:
Anogeia School of Weaving Art (students)

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Screenings | Mitato Sessions

Screenings of stories based on real-life testimonies, accompanied by an exhibition of the related objects.

 

Stories screened:
“The Towel” • “The Headscarf” • “The Lute”

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Performance | The Gorge of Agios

A music-and-storytelling performance combining narration, music, and contemporary theatrical writing, inspired by a local myth.

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Written by: Dora Mela
Musicians: Maria Kritsotaki, Sol Lightwood, Dimitris Neonakis, Socratis Vakirtzian

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Music night | Echoes of Psiloritis

A two-part music night featuring musical journeys that highlighted connections between the Mediterranean and the wider international world.

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Part A — Acoustic duo:
Socratis Vakirtzian (guitar), Dimitris Neonakis (guitar)

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Part B — “Anima Latina”:
Maria Kritsotaki (voice), Dimitris Neonakis (guitar)

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Idaean Celebrations 2024

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Date: July – August 2024
Location: Activities across different sites within the Psiloritis Geopark
Admission: Free

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Touring exhibition | Flora mirabilis

A photography exhibition featuring 20 unique plant species of the Psiloritis Geopark, aiming to highlight the area’s natural wealth and raise awareness about their protection.

Inspired by: the lifelong work of forester Georgias M. Xylouri

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Stops / Presentations (2024):

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21–22 July 2024 | Amari Green Festival — Agioi Apostoloi, Amari (main square)

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10–11 August 2024 | Water Festival — Zaros (around Lake Zaros)

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30–31 August 2024 | 4th Psiloritis Geopark Festival — Fodele, Municipality of Malevizi (main square)​​

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Exhibition | Collective exhibition of local artists

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When: 30–31 August 2024
Where: 4th Psiloritis Geopark Festival, Fodele Main Square

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A collective exhibition featuring works by artists from the wider Geopark area, including sculpture, painting, woodcarving, marble craft, photography, weaving and ceramics.

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Participating artists:
Aerakis Polydoros & Maria Teresa, Gallios Kostis, Dalamvelas Giorgis & Mariniki Mania, Kapsalis Georgios, Kapsalis Nikos, Koukiadakis Stavros, Pitsikaki Maria, Priniyanakis Manolis, Sifakis Grigoris – Michalis – Sifis, Skoulas Alkiviadis “Grylios”, Chaireti Nitsa

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Children’s theatre | Playing with the Labours of Hercules

 

When: 30 August 2024 | Time: 19:00 | Duration: 70’
Where: 4th Psiloritis Geopark Festival, Fodele
Ages: 8–12

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An interactive storytelling performance with live music and an educational workshop, focusing on the relationship between people and the environment.

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Designed / facilitated by: Maria Terzaki
Live music: Manolis Tzanakis

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Educational workshop | The Traveller with Musical Instruments

 

When: 31 August 2024 | Duration: 1 hour
Where: 4th Psiloritis Geopark Festival, Fodele

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A musical storytelling workshop in interaction with children, including introduction to instruments, hands-on creation of a simple instrument, and learning a traditional song.

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Implemented by: Thyrathen Music School

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Music night | The Sounds of Psiloritis

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When: 30 August 2024
Where: Fodele Main Square (as part of the 4th Psiloritis Geopark Festival)

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A music night featuring tunes and songs from Psiloritis and Crete, performed by local musicians.

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Musicians:
Papoutsakis Vasilis (lyra), Papoutsakis Stelios (lyra), Panderis Giorgis (lyra), Xydakis Giorgos (laouto), Panderis Kyriakos (laouto), Marathonianos Notis (mandolin), Koutentakis Michalis (daouli – askoubantoura)

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In collaboration with: Fodele Cultural Association

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Role of VENTEMA PRODUCTIONS

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VENTEMA PRODUCTIONS (Non-profit company) was responsible for the planning, organisation and delivery of the “Idaies Festivals” programme for 2024–2025, including coordination of contributors and individual actions, production and on-site support, as well as communication and dissemination of the programme.

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