The last of the nomads
Greece, 2020, 18′
Director – Producer: Τhodoris Sdroulias
Greece is a country that is mostly agricultural. Livestock in particular has played an important role in the country’s economy. Today, even now, some breeders follow the old practices amidst adverse weather conditions in their daily lives. Especially in October every year flocks move from the mountain range of Pindos to the plains of Thessaly, and to various other areas of Greece. The cattle breeders from Tyrnavos, Larissa, Farsala, Domoko, Trikala, Farkadona, and other areas, used to have a common destination in the wider area of Aspropotamos, in Haliki, Tzourtzia, Polythea, Stefani, Krania and other villages. They set off from different villages, but at some point, there was a common path. Pastoral migration has been a key aspect for the Greek economy for centuries. Today it could constitute a cultural route, a product of added value, cultural tourism, and a significant development in the agri-nutritional sector.
Each route is unique – it passes through the old royal road, through paths that still exist today, going over arched bridges and passing by historic sites. Of course, Vlachostrata is a special passage of 270 km in length, unique in its kind, as it highlights the greatness of nature, but it also highlights unique monuments in the wider Greek area.
Today it belongs to Intangible Cultural Heritage and has been incorporated under the auspices of UNESCO.
