Special Christmas events for children and grown-ups on the mountain
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way; Oh, what joy it is to… hear the bell tower of the village ringing merrily! In December, at the altitude of 950 meters, in fairytale-styled Vamvakou, music comes across pottery, theatre winks at cinema, the environmental activities take over from the educational programmes and the science labs meet up with unique delicacies and warm hospitality. Vamvakou Revival, within the framework of the initiative for the revival of Vamvakou with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), has designed an original programme of activities and thematic experiences for the fans of nature, the mountain and, of course, Christmas – the most beautiful feast of the year. Lights, glitter, ornaments, sweets and… we are all set!
Christmas Vamvakou reveals itself along with Mariza Rizou
Οn Saturday December, 4 at 16:00, Vamvakou takes centre stage and, during an event full of music, smudging and bubbles, the Christmas decoration and lights in the village come to life! Mariza Rizou and her band will offer us an evening full of notes, favourite melodies and clapping. We will count down together for the lighting of the Christmas tree that will be decorating the square of Vamvakou this year as well, while at the same time, we will have the chance to attend an original bubble show by “La Petite Marguerite” and participate, both children and grown-ups, in the festive smudging by “Moutzoures”.
Music events in Voureiko
Music will be present in the village throughout the month as Santa Bella group gives Christmas Eve a rebetiko and folk music flair to be followed by the jazz melodies from the piano of Kostas Giaxoglou in Voureiko café-restaurant on Sunday 26/12 at noon.
Theatre performances & movie screenings
In December, theatre as well will be in the foreground, as two unique theatre performances will be staged in the village for its inhabitants and visitors: “Let me tell you a story” by Jorge Bucay presented by the group “To Topi” on 11/12 and «Ο ταχυδρόμοςΟνείρων» [The postman of Dreams] with Flora Kalomiri on 18/12, both in the school of Vamvakou. On 06/01, the three little pigs will be waiting for us through a special puppet theatre programme by the group “Strigles”. On the last day of the year, the movie theatre of the school puts its festive outfit on! We say goodbye to 2021, by enjoying the… mischiefs of Jim Carrey in the well-known film How the Grinch stole Christmas.
Educational programmes for children
The educational programmes are continued throughout the last month of the year. On 11/12, we will find out how we can decorate the forest along with “Alkyoni” group through the programme “Natural ornaments for the fir tree in the woods”; on 18/12, we will learn stories about herbs with Martha Verdilou and on 24/12, we will compose the Christmas carols of Vamvakou along with Chrisanthi Mandrou-Filippakou, music educator and religion scientist, and wander through the alleys of the village to chant them. Finally, on 08/01, we will explore “what the year brings” guided by Eleni Zahopoulou, actress and collaborator of the National Theatre of Greece.
Environmental activities in nature
The environmental programmes and activities in nature never stop – not even in winter. Thus, on the International Mountain Day, on 12/12, a trekking route will be realized by the Management Body of Parnon, Moustos, Mainalon & Monemvasia so that we can get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the mountain.
Art workshops for all, full of colour and glitter
Art workshops always have their place in the school of Vamvakou and, thus, on 05/12, we learn the secrets of pottery with the pottery artist Maro Penesi and, on 19/12, we meet with Potoula Lafogianni for a handicraft programme full of imagination, glitter and Christmas spirit.
V.Lab (Vamvakou Technology Lab Fully powered by SNF) – Christmas edition
Finally, sciences will sneak into V.Lab this year too, as, on 05/12, we will create our own Christmas village using Lego Wedo 2.0 along with the Robot-Fun team of Nokia Hellas and on 09/01, we will come up with pranks-experiments along with Elena Paloumba to put those mischievous goblins to their place.
Looking forward to seeing you!
