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Located approximatly  5 kms inland  from Aghia Efimia and nestling on the lower slopes of the mountain  you will find Makriotika.  It is a small village of approximately 350 inhabitants. An authentic working Greek   village with a definite sense of it's own identity.   It boasts three churches,  two tavernas,  and a supermarket.   Close by there is also a Monastery called the Themata Monastery,  built around the 1600's (worth a visit!)

 However, what is really nice about Makriotika is it is a vibrant, living, small village with a history where a traditional Greek way of life and culture is still maintained.

Makriotika has a proud history of defending the village and it's people. In 1907 Marinos Antipas died. (1872-1907) He was the first campaigner fighting for the rights of the villagers to work only 8 hours a day and to get paid for it!!! There was a form of almost serfdom close to slavery with the people tied to the wealthy land owners. Some say he was murdered. There is a statue raised to him in Potamianata at the bottom of the hill near the shell petrol station.

In 1940 the Germans arrived in the village and attempted to control the whole area, this split the people of the area into various factions. In 1945 The Axis (German and Italian) forces left. The power vacuum that developed immediately afterwards was exploited by the communists who, gathering men from all over Greece attempted to assume control by force.

There was a riot  and the men of Makriotika banded together and stopped the communists coming up the hill despite being out numbered by them. They prevailed and defeated the communist insurgents. The road where it happened is named after the defending heroes. Othos Ethnikis Antistasis. Or very roughly translated "The road the nationals stopped the communists."

On the 28th of October the whole of Greece celebrates Independence Day (known locally as "Ochi Day") Makriotika is no exception. This is not to be confused with another Independence Day celebration in March held in Aghia Efimia which celebrates independence from the Turks! What is amazing is a small village of 350 people can put on such a display! This is due to the efforts of the local Mayor, Markos Kostilinis,  who has found funding to establish a youth band complete with uniforms, he even provides coffees biscuits afterwards in one of the Tavernas for everyone paid with Muncipal funds! It was a great day and the children loved marching.

Back in September we were fortunate enough to be invited to the last village festival before Christmas and held at the local school. The entire village was there! What is more at one time most of them were all dancing together!! Where in the UK would you see an entire community with at least 3 generations all dancing in unison and enjoying the experience? The picture right was taken later on in the night but at one time there were 4 lines, each line moving in opposite directions with what must have been 250 people. All having a great time and dancing to a live Greek band.

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