Culture and tradition bedazzle in Ancient Corinth

Culture and tradition bedazzled attendees at the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth in the context of the event “Corinthian Treasures”.

At the “Corinthian Treasures“ the gastronomy of the region came across the cultural heritage

In one of the most popular archaeological sites, the event “ Corinthian Treasures” took place on July 16 for a consecutive year next to the Temple of Apollo, offering attendees a spectacular culinary event.

Culture and tradition bedazzled attendees at the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth in the context of the event “Corinthian Treasures".

After all, the connection of the cultural heritage of the region with agro-food and gastronomy are the ultimate comparative advantages strengthening not only local economy but also tourist brand to the maximum.

More specifically, the event was held under the auspices of the Peloponnese Region, the General Confederation of Professional Craft Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE), the Trade and Entrepreneurship Federation of Peloponnese, Southwest Greece, Zakynthos, Cephalonia & Ithaca (OEESP) and the Hellenic Confederation of Trade & Entrepreneurship as well as with the Support of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinth, the American School of Excavations of Corinth, the Chamber of Corinth, Wyndham Poseidon Resort & the Culture & Sports Center of the Municipality of Corinth.

“ Corinthian Treasures” is an inspiration of Katerina Karsioti, Publicist – Guide in gastronomy and Agritourism while the event was carried out by the Association of Professionals of Ancient Corinth (SEAK) with the purpose of the absolute connection of the cultural reserve with local products and local cuisine . For the first time, an archaeological site with a history of centuries opened its doors to a culinary event thanks to the support of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinth and its supervisor Mrs. Panagiota Kasimi.

A significant number of participants found themselves at the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth where they attended an impressive Conference with distinguished speakers. Excellent speeches with special themes were given by Ioulia Tzonou, Deputy Director of the Corinth Excavations of the American School of Classical Studies, Thalia Tsichlaki, Taste Journalist, Chef George Stylianoudakis, Maria Katsouli, Director of the Athena International Olive Oil Competition, Paris Chartas , Rector of the Harokopion University of Athens at the Department of Tourism Development and Panagiotis Mitrogiannis, Nutritionist.

At the same time, the public “participated” in a highly experiential Live Cooking with guest Chefs, Giorgos Stylianoudakis, Giannis Mpratsolias and Kostas Georgatzas who prepared 4 dishes with raw materials originating from the Corinthian land. The exhibition of local products in the outdoor area of the traditional village provided the visitors with the opportunity to get acquainted with the “treasures” of the Corinthian land and to carry out tastings with the local producers.

Of great interest and importance was the display case with the ceramic cooking utensils at the external area of the Archaeological Museum granting visitors the opportunity to see up close and with the guidance of the archaeologists of the Ephorate of Antiquities as well as the American School of Excavations to perceive their use in the past and realise their connection to the present.

At the culinary event “Corinthian Treasures” among others attended and addressed a greeting the Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinth, Mr. Panagiota Kasimi, the Mayor of Corinth, Mr. Vassilis Nanopoulos, the Deputy Regional Governor, Mr. Haris Vytiniotis, the appointed advisor for cultural matters of Corinth, Region of Peloponnese (representative of the Regional Governor of Peloponnese, Mr. Panagiotis Nikas) Mrs. Athena Korkas, the Vice-Regional Governor for Sports Mr. Giorgos Economou, the President of GSEVEE Mr. Giorgos Kavvathas, the Former Vice-President of GSEVEE, representative of GSEVEE on the Board of Directors of DYPA and Board of Directors of EOPPEP Mr. Giannis Papagyris, the General Secretary of ESEE and representative of the President of ESEE, Mr. Nikos Bonis, Members of the Board of Directors of ESEE (Nikos Havales, Manolis Psaroudakis), the Candidate for Corinthian Prefecture Mr. Nikos Dimas, the President of the Peloponnese Trade and Entrepreneurship Federation of Southwest Greece Zakynthos Kefallinia and Ithaca Mr. Giorgos Vagenas, the President of the Chamber of Preveza Mr. Yannis Bouris, the President of the Chamber of Corinth Mr. Panagiotis Louziotis, Mr. Panagiotis Pitsakis, Apostolos Papafotiou, the President of OEBE of Corinth Mr. Tassos Vozikis, the Treasurer of OEBE of Corinth Mr. Panagiotis Spirou, the Deputy Mayor of Tourism Mr. Timoleon Pietris, the Head of the ‘Breath of Creation’ Mr. Nikos Stavrelis, the Head of the Green City Mr. Dimitris Protopappas, the President of the Vrachati Trade Association Mr. Vangelis Tsakonas, the President of the Trade Association Mr. Vassilis Georgaris, the municipal councillors Vangelis Papaioannou, Dimitris Manolakis, Themis Koutsogilas, Georgia Strimenopoulou, Vassilis Tagaras, the former vice-president of KEPAP, Mr. Panagiotis Metaxas, the representative of ESEE, Mr. Nikolaos Theodosakis, the President of Sfedona” Association, Ms. Olga Konomodis, and the President of the Kalogeropouleio Foundation of Arts & Culture of Corinth, Ms. Maria Christaras.

In Ancient Corinth, in a sacred place that unfolds an eternal story, locality is the ultimate star and local producers converse directly with you…

Exactly where they were born

Next to the soil and under the sun!

Logo:

The mark reflects the initials THKG.The letter Θ was replaced by the top plan shape of the Kylyka, a type of mug that was specially manufactured in the ancient ceramic workshops in Ancient Corinth. The Cup was mainly used to drink wine, but also to consume food (fruits).

The kylix was a wide and shallow cup with two handles placed anti-diametrically on its rim. Its bottom was almost flat and was the main surface for painting. It appeared during the 6th century BC and was in great use during the Classical period.

The combination of the letter Θ and the ground plan of Kylikos is a symbolism of gastronomy as well as the community. In ancient times, the banquet was a rite of passage, with fellow students relinquishing an event of Food and Drink.

The circular shape within the Chalice indicates solid foods such as raisins, olives, local meats and cheeses while the drop that draws our attention on the outside symbolises liquids such as wine and oil.

The word “Treasures” refers to the agri-food & culinary wealth of Corinth.

Philosophy:

Ancient Corinth has been a vital place and a “real” hub from ancient times until present. The narrative of the destination unfolds every possible aspect of it from history and culture to agri-food along with gastronomy.

The wealth of the area was undeniable. After all, “Afneios” is already mentioned by Homer and this due to the ideal geographical position as well as the fertile land that spreads around Acrokorinth. With a special terroir and with mountainous and coastal volumes that define the area.

The cultural stock of the region combined with the unique ingredients are two of the comparative advantages of the area. And this is what the “Corinthian Treasures” came to highlight. To remind the enormous value of local products and their people. Then & Today! Their inseparable connection with tourism and the unique experience that the local cuisine ultimately offers, which we are all obliged to highlight and preserve as it is our heritage.

Because experience comes from our efforts to learn. And through the local products which are additionally the ambassadors of a region, you discover an entire place!