Music, cultural events, walks, relaxing moments in nature and play for all
A month full of great events has just ended with unforgettable memories of running, festival-going and camping. And yet! Summer in Vamvakou, Lakonia, is now beginning! Relaxed conversations in the shade of the plane tree, a sweet breeze carrying the redolence of the forest and cool evenings full of shooting stars—this is what our summer holidays in the village look like, featuring music, theatre, creative play, walks, relaxation and alternative suggestions for the mountain coordinated by Vamvakou Revival as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative, implemented with the exclusive support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
Last month, the 5th Vamvakou Mountain Run (15 June) brought over 470 runners, along with their friends and families, to the village. They all filled the square of Vamvakou with hugs full of excitement and a rain of applause, passing the torch to the Vamvakou Summer Camp (16-27 June). Taking part in an appealing educational programme, elementary school children from Sparta and the wider region visited us daily to play, learn and develop useful skills. June closed with the Vamvakou Experience Festival (28-29 June), a highly diverse weekend full of original experiences, reminding us that the village can be experienced differently as long as you are present! What about heading for the most carefree summer in cool Mount Parnon?
Music, theatre, astronomy, gastronomy and stories in the heart of summer
In July, our appointment is set at the Voureiko restaurant-café for an atmospheric Terrace party (05 July) with spectacular views of the mountain. Join us in the “Stand-up comedy about the funny side of life” featuring Kynthia Voukouvalidou (12 July) to laugh with your heart, and dance to jazz rhythms in a concert by the Impro Jazz workshop (19 July).
In August, let’s follow the adventures of roly-poly Orange in an interactive puppet theatre performance by Striggles (10 August), and enjoy the songs of Mikis Theodorakis in a tribute to the great Greek composer’s oeuvre (10 August). In a stargazing evening at Voureiko (02 August), we will get to know the summer constellations. And the next day, we will observe the sun (03 August) employing the science of astrophysics in an educational programme for all at the V.Lab (Vamvakou Technology Lab fully powered by SNF). Just before the end of summer, join us to make pasteli and olive paste, deploying the wisdom and valuable advice of the Vamvakou Women’s Cooperative “Vamvakia” (30 August).
And as you will be strolling through the alleys of the village, a surprise will be waiting for you! On your way, you will notice mirror columns and notes on the walls of the houses. Come closer and scan the QR codes, put on your headphones, turn up the sound, and let Vamvakou narrate its stories by using the new digital cultural trail developed for the village!
Creative play and summer fun for all
Summer in the village would not be so enjoyable without arts programs and creative activities for all tastes and ages. Visual arts, folklore, a…different school, adventure games and musical improvisation classes are available for visitors to spend their time creatively, while cycling, hiking, and relaxing massage sessions with a mountain view offer the opportunity to experience unforgettable moments in nature. Who would say no to a summer in the mountains, full of coolness, tranquillity and a wide range of choices?