Weaving the Past into the Future: Geraki Hosts a Celebration of Art and Tradition

“I am thrilled to present this paper in Geraki as part of the celebration for the publication of ‘Weaving Dreams: Kilims from Geraki, Lakonia.’” – Dr. Sharon Gerstel, UCLA

Geraki of Lakonia came alive on 22nd and 23rd February as the Cultural Association of Geronthres hosted a two-day event celebrating the history, present, and future of the region’s art and culture. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Evrotas, and the Peloponnese Region, the event brought together renowned speakers, a captivating photographic exhibition, and a heartfelt celebration of Geraki’s rich weaving traditions. 

The festivities began on Saturday with a series of insightful talks by distinguished guests. Dr. Sharon Gerstel, Professor of Byzantine Art and Archaeology at UCLA and Director of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture, delivered a fascinating presentation on the deep connection between Geraki and its iconic kilims. She was joined by Sofia Pitouli, a PhD candidate in Byzantine Art, and George Manginis, Scientific Director of the Benaki Museum, who explored the artistic and cultural significance of Geraki’s weaving heritage.

Dr. Gerstel shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I am thrilled to present this paper in Geraki as part of the celebration for the publication of ‘Weaving Dreams: Kilims from Geraki, Lakonia.’” She emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting this ancient craft, which has been a cornerstone of Geraki’s cultural identity for generations.

The event also featured an emotional speech by Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, a master weaver and instructor, who spoke passionately about her craft. Attendees described her words as “a true testament to the soul of weaving,” capturing the deep personal and cultural significance of the tradition.

Local Member of Parliament Thanasis Davakis, who attended the event, reflected on the multifaceted identity of Geraki, stating, “Geraki is many things at once: it is Guy de Nivelet and his castle from the Frankish era, its Byzantine churches, the art of weaving with its kilims, the dynamic cultivation of edible olives, and its restless and creative people.” He praised the Cultural Association of Geronthres for organising the event, noting how the history and themes of Geraki’s kilims were “unfolded before our eyes,” alongside the stories of the women who wove them with their “blessed hands” on looms for generations.

On Sunday, the focus turned to the future of cultural heritage, with talks by Katerina Frentzou of Branding Heritage and Elli Sfika of Amaltheia Athens. They discussed innovative approaches to preserving and promoting traditional arts in a modern world, offering fresh perspectives on how to keep these practices alive.

One of the highlights of the event was the photographic exhibition “Outside the Walls” by Afroditi Voulgaraki, a local schoolteacher. Her striking images, displayed on upright looms, beautifully captured the everyday life and people of Geraki, blending tradition with contemporary artistry. The exhibition was widely praised for its creativity and emotional resonance.

The two-day event concluded with heartfelt congratulations to the Cultural Association of Geronthres for their dedication to bringing Geraki’s cultural memory into the present. As Theodoros Veroutis aptly remarked, “The best is yet to come for this collective effort to highlight the culture of our homeland.” The event not only celebrated Geraki’s past but also laid the foundation for a vibrant future, ensuring its traditions continue to inspire for generations to come.