Voice of Greece and the program “Historical Walks”, presented by Marilena Katsimi, invite listeners on a three-part radio journey into the world of the panigyri—that timeless celebration of faith, community, and tradition.
With us on this journey is ethnologist, folklorist, and traditional dance teacher Panagiota Andrianopoulou, head of the Department of Collections, Research, and Documentation of Folk Art at the Museum of Modern Greek Culture (Ministry of Culture). Through her insight, we will explore the panigyri as both a cultural phenomenon and a living, evolving ritual—unfolding its layers of history, social meaning, and contemporary relevance.
On Saturday, 2 August 2025, in Part I: “The Anatomy of the Panigyri”, we take a closer look at its roots and structure: What is a panigyri, and how is it intertwined with religion, custom, and popular expression? How did it emerge through time, and what place does it occupy in Greek cultural identity?
On Saturday, 09 August 2025, Part II: “The Return of the Panigyri” turns to the present: Why are younger generations returning to these gatherings? What is meant by an “urban panigyri“? Where does tradition end and folklore begin? A conversation about revival, reinterpretation, and the panigyri’s shifting forms in today’s Greece.
Finally, on Saturday, 16 August 2025, Part III: “The Political Dimension of the Panigyri” explores its broader social implications: Can a panigyri carry political meaning? What role does it play in minority communities? Might it serve as a marker of identity—or even as a vehicle for local development?
With music from every corner of Greece, vivid narratives, and echoes of dancing feet, “Historical Walks” celebrates the panigyri not as a quaint relic or spectacle, but as a living, breathing tradition—an organism that moves with the rhythm of time and the pulse of community.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi
Broadcast schedule:
Part I: “The Anatomy of the Panigyri” | Saturday 02.08.2025
Part II: “The Return of the Panigyri” | Saturday 09.08.2025
Part III: “The Political Dimension of the Panigyri” | Saturday 16.08.2025
Time: 13:00–14:00 (Athens time)
