Maria Loulaki, introduces us to the good old days of the village and the subsequent, urbanisation and abandonment.
A civil engineer, Yannis Androulakis, had the inspiring idea of rehabilitating the village. His plan was initially met with considerable disbelief, but despite their initial concerns and considerable reluctance, the locals came on board. The Association for the Restoration of Ethia was founded. Private archive footage from the 1990’s combined with local stories revealing the intense work and emotions of the initial restorations. Basic infrastructure such as the water and sewage systems and paving the dirt road were paid for and undertaken by the people themselves. Some of the money for construction came from surprisingly innovative sources, including funerals!
Trees were planted and house rebuilt, respecting the natural environment and traditional architecture.
Today, the village is alive again: groups of locals enjoy the mountains and celebrate traditional feasts for the first time in 30 years.
now.
