Routes in Marpissa 2026 - Korai

Through suggested routes, points of interest, and activities, this year’s festival theme highlights the role of women in local island society, showcasing them as key agents of memory, cohesion, and development. From the homemaker and caregiver to the farmworker, the creator, the mother, the teacher, and the modern professional, the presence of women on the islands has been pivotal - often unassuming, yet profoundly significant. From the role of daughter to that of partner, mother, and grandmother, a web of relationships, memories, and daily practices unfolds, shaping the identity of the island community. Personal accounts, historical records, newspaper articles, photographs, artefacts, and more come together to form the mosaic of this journey. Customs and traditions of the past engage with contemporary concerns regarding autonomy, care, community, and the role of women in the Cyclades. 

Alongside the festival program, visitors have the opportunity to explore designated points of interest in Marpissa and take part in unique activities and interactive games, specially designed by the volunteer team to help us sketch portraits of all these women and hear their stories - even those that have never been told. In addition, some of the most representative examples of traditional architecture in Marpissa open their doors exclusively to Festival visitors. Traditional residences, churches, and iconic landmarks of the village, such as the Agourou windmill and the Anousaki House, which houses the village’s last working loom. In collaboration with HERMeS, homes and buildings of special interest in Marpissa are presented to the public using 3D technology and 360-degree digital representations. These digital applications are enriched with narrative elements drawn from interviews and recordings of Marpissa residents.