The “veggera” on Andros. Photo source: Ministry of Culture
Six traditional practices and customs still alive on the Greek islands of Andros, Rhodes, Sifnos, Ikaria, Limnos And Nissiros were included in the National Index of Intangible cultural heritageannounced the Ministry of Culture.
The National Index of Greece, in accordance with the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, aims to safeguard practices, rites and rituals, crafts and traditions that are true expressions of Greek cultural heritage.
More precisely, the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni approved the inclusion of the following traditions in the National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece: the “Veggera of Andros” (a traditional impromptu visit or gathering at a friend’s house to meet up and have fun), the “Mélékouni” of Rhodes (a traditional sweet with sesame and honey), the famous pottery tradition of Sifnosthe famous open-air festivals (panegyric) of Icariathe stone agricultural networks (mantres) of Limnosand Orthodox Easter “Kalandira” tradition of Nisysros.
Melekouni, sweetness with sesame and Rhodes honey. Photo source: Ministry of Culture
The goal, Mendoni said, is to “promote, preserve and transmit to future generations those elements of our islands that are an expression of the particular collective identity of each place” and at the same time protect and preserve the expressions of the intangible wealth of Greece. cultural heritage.
“Recognizing the need to preserve and promote these particular aspects of island culture, considered crucial to their own sense of collective history and identity, we include them in the National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage, contributing thus actively promoting and enriching them. ” added Mendoni.
The “panegyri” on Ikaria. Photo source: Ministry of Culture
Other practices and traditions listed in the Greek National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage include Mediterranean diet (2013), the culture of putty on the island of Chios (2013), the The art of Dry stone walls (2015), the Byzantine chant (2015), the rebetiko kind of music (2016), the traditional masonry by Lagadia (2017), the vine cultivation and wine heritage of Santorini (2018), the traditional “Vlachikos Gamos” (Satirical Thiva Wedding Ritual (2018).
Some of the above items have also been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
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