Cultural event in a Greek wetland
Posted on Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
Prespia, a major cultural event held every August, is organised in the Greek part of Prespa Lakes since 1988 and draws numerous participants from all over the country.
Well- known artists from Greece and abroad participate in various events, such as concerts, poetry nights and local festivities. On the small island of Agios Achilios, at the ruins of the ancient Byzantine basilica, the closing concert is performed.
During these twenty years, four Prime Ministers, three Presidents and one hundred members of the Greek Parliament have attended the Prespia event. The organisers are also very proud that, over the years, a large number of important international cultural figures have participated in this event.
A few years ago, when famous composer and performer Goran Bregovic was asked which of his appearances was his favourite, he replied: ‘I can’t tell you where I have performed better, but I can definitely say that the best concert I have ever been to was on a small island, Agios Achilios, in Micro Prespa. There, I heard the silence of the lakes and the stars, under a bright, crowned moon.’ The festival has greatly contributed to the Prespa region in re-defining its character.
The 20th anniversary was honoured by the President of the Hellenic Republic and it was dedicated to opera singer Maria Callas and to popular musician Vassilis Tsitsanis. It should be noted that Prespia contributes to the promotion of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Greek Prespa region.
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