DESTINATION PATRIDA, 2024 | Highlights Day 25 (Macedonia/Alexandria- Cultural/Historical)

Описание: MACEDONIA/ALEXANDRIA HIGHLIGHTS
Day 25 (Cultural/Historic)

A small cluster of villages in the region of Alexandria in Imathia- Central Macedonia, were known in Ottoman times as “Roumlouki”, a name which locals continue to identify themselves by.

In one of these villages, Neochori, world-renowned and master costume designers/makers, Ολγα Γεωργιος Σβωλου and Βασίλης Σβώλος produce costumes from various regions of Greece, and specialises in the local Roumlouki attire. The most recognised styles of this particular region is undoubtedly the bridal costume of Gida, with the identifiable ‘perikefalea’ headpiece.

Upon our arrival, unbeknown to us, Olga and Vasili had arranged for us to be welcomed with live music of the region- zournades and daoulia played by members of the renowned Patmos family of Central Macedonia- a family of countless generations of musicians who have quite literally ‘written’ and preserved the unique music of this region.

The workshop is essentially a re-purposed house, with every single nook-and-cranny dedicated to costumes and accessories. Authentic and reproduction jewellery, silver smithing, textiles, fabrics, and equipment flood every space, which is the result of a lifelong dedication to the craft.

Our young and charismatic guide, Grigoris Giovanopoulos gave us historical context on the costume of Gida, the specific pieces worn during cultural observances, as well as age-appropriate items added/removed throughout the life of females (from young girls through to teenagers, brides, wives, and ultimately widows).

On this 43-degree day with no crosswind whatsoever, we still opted to honour the privilege of having local musicians with us, by deciding to spend an hour dancing in the beaming sun! We well-and-truly worked up an appetite…

Sitting in the shade of fig trees, Olga and Vasili has prepared an epic spread to host our entire team, friends and guests for lunch. As we had only anticipated visiting the workshop as a ‘meet-and-greet’ (and for opening channels of discussion to source costume pieces in future), this gesture and so, so many other experiences throughout our tour, highlighted humble and simple fellow Greeks, who are the absolute representation of true Greece, and the characteristic 'philoxenia' which so vividly defines them.

For their efforts and enthusiasm, we gifted a Tour Uniform polo to Maria and Olga which they both wore so proudly as soon as we presented them!

Continuing our tour through Roumlouki, our next stop was the village of Nisi. In this village, resides the 'patriko' (family home) of Vanilla founder, the late Thanassis Spanos, and it was only by sheer chance, that the location of master costume designer/maker Ολγα Γεωργιος Σβωλου was in the neighbouring Neochori.

Our Principal Benefactors from Vanilla, George and Haroula Giannou, together with their daughters Athina and Eleni welcomed us into their family home (aka Thanassis' House) for refreshments, and gave us an insight into the Spanos family's background, and his humble beginnings.

A short walk down the street, and we came to the 'plateia' (central square), where the local church is located. The original church, consecrated in honour of Agoi Anargyroi was built in antiquity and over time was used as a convent. Directly next door, stands the newer church, consecrated in honour of the same Saints, and stands out as a majestic spiritual beacon across the agricultural landscape. The scale, intricacy and detail of the inner sanctuary is comparable to a full-scale cathedral, and reflects the prominent spiritual and cultural legacy of the Nisiotes and wider Roumloukiotes of the region.

In the soaring heat on this 43-degree day with no crosswind whatsoever, we still opted to honour the memory of Thanassi with a short glendi in the village square. Eleni, Athina and Haroula led our team and locals, accompanied by local musicians- the renowned Patmos family of Central Macedonia playing zournades and daoulia.

We were humbled to receive an icon of Sts. Anargiri by Dimitra Varsam and the locals as a memento of our visit.

We extend our appreciation to the Spanos family, Dimitra Varsam, Themis Damtsis , Ολγα Γεωργιος Σβωλου Grigoris Giovanopoulos, as well as musicians, villagers, friends and relatives who all came to meet us, and who welcomed us and made our team feel immensely appreciated and valued.