Easter in Arcadia – The Night of the Balloons
If you happen to be in Leonidio for Easter, you will witness a truly amazing spectacle, which takes place on the night of the Resurrection. Hundreds of hot-air balloons, made of straw and paper, are set free into the sky when the congregation say “Christ is risen”, filling the night with lights and colours. The origins of this custom, which is not followed anywhere else in Greece, are unknown. Some argue that it is an Asian tradition, which seamen brought back home to Leonidio at the end of the 19th... διαβάστε περισσότερα
River Lousios and its Gorge
Lousios is a Peloponnesian river and a tributary of Alfeios. It is a relatively small river, approximately 25 kilometres long. However the landscape that surrounds it on its both banks is magical. The name of the river has ancient origins. It is said that it was given this name because the newborn Zeus was bathed (Louzo=bathing) in its waters by the nymphs Theisoa, Neda and Agno. Near Karytaina, River Lousios crosses a gorge of substantial environmental importance, about 26 kilometres from its mouth.... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Panhellenic Folk Song Contest in Lagkadia
Every summer, the municipality of Gortynia organizes a series of cultural and athletic events. Within the framework of these summer events, they organize the annual Panhellenic Folk Song Contest in the village of Agia Paraskevi in Lagkadia, aiming to preserve and promote the local traditions, through their most important means of expression: folk music. This tradition has taken place for 40 consecutive years and is open to amateur singers and musicians, who specialize in folk music, and especially... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Ancient Orchomenos – Arcadia
Orchomenus was a city in ancient Arcadia, its ruins today situated approximately 30 kilometres from Tripoli, a small distance outside the village of Levidi. Orchomenus was one of the oldest cities in the region, with evidence of prehistoric inhabitation. It had a large population, as well as a significant presence in the events of the time, and there are testimonies that it was a particularly rich city, since it struck its own coin. Orchomenus was one of the three “large powers” of eastern... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Ancient Theatre of Megalopolis
Three kilometres outside modern-day Megalopoli, in close proximity to the road leading from Megalopoli to Karytaina, lies the archaeological site of Megali Polis, one of the most magnificent cities of ancient Arcadia which, despite this, did not manage to survive for more than two centuries. The archaeological site contains ruins of the ancient agora, the Thersileion parliament hall on the north side, with a capacity of approximately 16,000, as well as the largest and oldest theatre of Ancient Greece,... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Festival of Tsakonia
The Festival of Tsakonia took place for the first time during the summer of 2011 in Leonidi, in the prefecture of Arcadia, under the auspices of the municipality of South Kynouria. Also known as “Melijazz”, it combines the unique culinary traditions of Tsakonia with musical sounds from around the Mediterranean. Aubergine is the star of the local cuisine and is used in various recipes, creating unprecedented taste sensations. Jazz, ethnic and Latin music complement the festive ambiance in the traditional,... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Ancient Mantineia
Mantineia was one of the largest and most significant cities in antiquity and it became an important centre of historical developments not only in the area of Arcadia, where it belonged, but in the whole of Greece. The ancient city is located 14 kilometres from Tripoli, in the area called Paleopoli. The first excavations began at the end of the 19th century and around 1960 other parts of the city came to light. The most important monuments that the visitor to the archaeological site of Mantineia... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Karytaina – The Women’s Bazaar
Every August, hundreds of people visit the picturesque and traditional settlement of Karytaina on the occasion of the bazaar which is annually organized by the local women’s association. This bazaar usually lasts for 3 days and gives the women of Karytaina the opportunity to present various traditional products, like weavings, embroideries, as well as food and pastries, all handmade with love and care. The association also has a store in the centre of the village, which is open throughout the year... διαβάστε περισσότερα