Once upon a time… Christmas came to Vamvakou in Laconia!
Christmas magic at 950 meters, with Panos Mouzourakis and lots of surprises.
With children’s smiles, positive energy, and a thoroughly festive spirit, Santa’s holiday school — the Vamvakou Santa School — opened its doors once again this year. Hundreds of visitors filled the Parnon village, taking part in the Vamvakou Revival’s holiday events, made possible through the exclusive grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Santa delivered the first gifts, a carousel, a bungee trampoline, and a roller-skating rink welcomed the young guests, while at the same time a fairy-tale nook, many play corners, and a Christmas cottage full of surprises for all helped elevate the experience.
Young artists painted Christmas and sprinkled it with shiny glitter; elves discovered magical lost treasures with the help of Sofia Mouchterou and Maria Anagnostopoulou; stories and fairy tales came to life before our eyes thanks to the Laconia Amateur Theater Group. Flora Kalomoiri and Afroditi Vervenioti escaped from the chocolate factory to teach us the secret recipe for cotton candy, while Erifylli Dafermou — the wind-up doll in the music box — was brought to life by the children’s sparkling gazes. No festive “menu” would be complete without melomakarona, and the famous chef Gavriil Nikolaidis, together with the Vamvakou Women’s Cooperative “Vamvakia,” took us on a journey through the world of pastry, with sugar, honey, walnuts, and cinnamon as his companions.
Once the village was filled with delicious aromas from end to end, it was time for the melodic young voices of the Chromata Choir and the Sparta Music School, just before we “flew like great birds” into a concert with Panos Mouzourakis, who gave his absolute best for two hours on the stage set up in Vamvakou’s square. The evening culminated in a Christmas party, with the unbeatable music of Nikos G and Vanara’s festive drinks. Thousands of lights shone and illuminated Vamvakou, creating an experience in the heart of Mount Parnon that we will remember for a very long time!
The Vamvakou Santa School and all the events designed by the Vamvakou Revival for young and old will conclude on Epiphany Day.