Events of the Association and the Local Community of Elati, Arcadia

 

In our village, the “Association of Progressive Friends of Elati, Arcadia – THE NATURE LOVERS” is active, having achieved remarkable results in recent years.

 

Goals of the Association:

 

a) Encouraging visits to the village not only from those who left in the past but also from their children and friends.

b) Supporting the stay of those who have returned and become professionally active.

c) Promoting our village culturally.

d) Attracting tourism interest from mountain enthusiasts.

 

With these goals in mind, the Association plans and implements the following annual events:

• Festival of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of our village.

• Walnut Festival, which coincides with the celebration of Saints Anargyroi.

• Participation of the renowned Chrysopigi Monastery of Chania, with the presence of many Cretans.

• Autumn Lecture Series at a central hotel in Athens.

• New Year’s Cake Cutting Ceremony.

• Participation in the celebration of the Life-Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi).

 

Some of the above events take place in the old school building (constructed in the previous century), which we have restored and now functions as a Cultural and Intellectual Center. It houses a lending library, board games, and has access to satellite channels.

 

All these activities keep our village alive, with regular visits from compatriots, friends, and guests who maintain their family homes. As the poet says:

“Houses live through the breaths of their people.”

 

The new school building, which operated as a primary school from 1951 to 1970, remains closed today. However, it is our Association’s wish to transform it into a “Mainalo Museum.”