ON THE STRATA: THE SARAKATSANI OF AGRAPHA

Life is movement that traces circles, much like the seasons of the year that succeed one another.

As you set out on the journey, the strata—the traditional trail—of the Sarakatsani will guide you. It begins at the winter pastures (cheimadia) of the Boeotian Kopaida, where these semi-nomads spend the winter. With the arrival of Spring, both people and livestock are led to Niala, in the Agrapha mountains of Evrytania.

Summering in the highland pastures, the konakia (traditional huts) come to life once more. People and animals are reunited with their natural environment. As autumn begins to set in, they leave the mountains and, following the trail, return to the winter pastures.

Culture is the product of an infinite number of interminglings. Some of these variations survived the passage of centuries, while others vanished. Anyone who makes this journey has a story to tell.

We follow them, too. We travel by their side. The strata of the Agraphiote Sarakatsani leads us...

Takis Dassios, Athens 2024