The “Hunt the Stamp” project shifts the focus from the center to the outskirts of the capital of Tsakonia, “shedding light” on 15 communities in Southern Kynouria: Leonidio, Pragmatefti, Melana, Tyros, Kosmas, Poulithra, Pigadi, Peleta, Kounoupia, Vlisidia, Tsitalia, Paliochori, Ag. Vasileios, Platanaki, Mari.
As part of the “Communities” theme, 15 visual artists are creating one original stamp for each destination. Each stamp is placed at a distinctive location within the destination, which will be announced through the festival’s channels (e.g., a café, a church, the community office).
Visitors are invited to look for the stamp, stamp their personal “passport” —a fold-out “notebook” specially designed for Melitzazz—and to collect, throughout their journey, a unique collection of artworks. Each stamp is tangible proof of a visit; each page, an encounter with a community.
Pick up your specially designed “passport” at the festival’s info point during the festival (July 2–5), as well as at the offices of the Parnonas Development Agency in Leonidio throughout the summer.
Κοινότητες
You will find the stamp at the Tsitalia Folklore Museum (former elementary school). Please contact Evangelia Sarri by calling 693 9104186.
You will find the stamp at the Community Store next to the church. Please contact Stelios Koutsoubos by calling 6940804198.
You can find the stamp at the Pragmateftis Elementary School (Please call first). Contact Michalis Kyrios by calling 6974107046.
You'll find the stamp at Glystras Tavern. Contact Giorgos Moriaitis by calling 6979304480.
You’ll find the stamp at the historic and traditional “Founes” café. Contact the Founes café by calling 6973486746.
You will find the stamp at TAVERNA KARAVITIS. Please contact Giorgos Karavitis by calling 6972694661.
You will find the stamp at the Mariou Elementary School. Please contact Panagiotis Skevis by calling 6972777033.
You can find the stamp at the “Tsakonika Yfanta” Weaving Workshop. Contact Elisavet Rodopoulou at 698 040 3980.
You will find the stamp at the “O PETROS” Restaurant – Tavern. Please contact Yiannis Vrettakis by calling 6940402588.
You will find the stamp at the Church of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kounoupia. Please contact Chrysa Helioti by calling 6934019392.
You will find the stamp at Giorgos Sountas Tavern. Contact Giorgos Sountas by calling 697 7747864
You'll find the stamp at the Café of Joy. Contact Sofia Redoula by calling 6942829180.
You will find the stamp at the Vlisidia Elementary School. Please contact Thanasis Manitaras by calling 6978763268.
You will find the stamp at the Kosmas of Kynouria Historical Memory Exhibition. Please contact Yiannis Tsolomitis by calling 6981896638.
Find the stamp at: Fabrika Politismou. Contact Simona Tsouka by calling 6970836224
Leonidio is the (famous) hub of an entire region, within which communities “nestle,” forming settlements of varying sizes—villages and small towns. This year’s event aims to shine a light on these small “dots” on the map, highlight the unique characteristics of each one, and invite visitors—both to the festival and to the wider region—to make them part of their travel experience.
Through a participatory and exploratory approach, the project maps out a broader cultural and social network, highlighting the connections between communities. This strengthens cultural tourism on a regional scale, while simultaneously fostering a sense of shared identity and interdependence among local communities.
At the same time, through social media and the festival’s websites, Melitzazz tells the stories of these places and artists, showcasing their work and weaving a network of people, places, and experiences.
The Melitzazz Festival aims to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage of Tsakonia in a modern and creative way. History, tradition, architecture, the Tsakonian dialect, weaving, and Tsakonian dance intertwine with traditional and contemporary music, events, culinary experiences, workshops, seminars, and film screenings. Scattered events and street concert stages stretch through the alleys and squares of Leonidio. In the town’s architecturally distinctive mansions and tower houses, visitors can explore historical exhibitions and installations, contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and film screenings.
Leonidio
