Sarakatsani Gathering in Pertouli

Sarakatsani from all over Greece, as well as neighboring Balkan countries, gather for 3 days each year in Livadia Pertouli to revive their customs and honor their ancestors.

The annual gathering of the Sarakatsani has become a very important institution that already counts 42 years of life. Dozens of associations from all over Greece and abroad gather in an idyllic environment in Livadia Pertouliou to (re)acquaint themselves, strengthen relationships, remember their customs and celebrate with their dances and songs.

The choice of location is not accidental, as it emphasizes their close relationship with the mountains of Greek nature, where the flame of freedom and the desire for the rebirth of the Greek race were kept protected.

The Panhellenic Gathering takes place on the last Sunday of June and each year is dedicated to a central theme. The 42nd gathering (2024) was dedicated to the completion of 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and was accompanied by very moving events.

Tens of thousands are the participants each year, either members of associations or ordinary spectators. The spectacle offered by the dance groups with their traditional costumes is impressive. The culmination of the celebration is the last "Tranos" dance, where all the participants dance hand-in-hand, forming huge concentric circles that symbolize their unity and harmony, while at the same time promising to meet again the following year!