13ο PORT FESTIVAL ΚΑΤΑΚΟΛΟ

Lively Villages, Fewer Fires!

The first group of volunteers from the ANIMA TERRA initiative, organised by The Olive Tree Routes, sets off from Katakolo (Greece)

At the 13th Port Festival, held from 31 July to 2 August in Katakolo Park, The Olive Tree Routes presented the ANIMA TERRA initiative, which aims to highlight and document the cultural, natural and productive heritage of rural villages in Greece and the Mediterranean that are threatened with depopulation.

As part of the Festival, a new mission to document the cultural heritage of villages in Western Greece was announced, and members of the public were invited to participate as volunteers.

The first 50 volunteers will carry out field research in September in six communities across Western Greece:

  • Koliri (Municipality of Pyrgos)
  • Pteri (Municipality of Aigialeia)
  • Plataniotissa (Municipality of Kalavryta)
  • Kallithea (Municipality of Agrinio)
  • Kyparissos (Municipality of Agrinio)
  • Ano Kerasovo (Municipality of Agrinio)

Participants will interview local residents and producers, complete questionnaires, and document elements of the area’s cultural heritage through photographs and videos.

The programme is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, with no previous experience required. Training sessions will take place in Kalamata (5–6 or 12–13 September), followed by two one-day visits to one of the participating villages. Fieldwork will officially begin on 19 September.

Travel and meal expenses will be covered, and all participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Applications remain open until 31 August.

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Throughout the Festival, the slogan “Lively Villages, Fewer Fires” highlighted the central idea behind the initiative: that revitalising rural areas, preserving productive activities and strengthening local communities provide an effective safeguard against abandonment while contributing to the prevention of forest fires.

During the Rail Talks Katakolo 2026, the Chairman of The Olive Tree Routes, Yiorgos Karabatos, highlighted the important role that the Peloponnese railway could play in connecting monuments, landscapes, local products and communities.

As he noted, the operation of the Pyrgos–Katakolo railway line during the Festival demonstrated that culture has the power to breathe new life into a historic route.

“My dream is to hear the train whistle once again and to see our village squares full of life,” he said.

The Olive Tree Routes Foundation would like to thank the organisers of the 13th Port Festival, and especially its Artistic Director, Mrs Iro Riga, for the invitation and her valuable contribution to the success of the event.

This year’s theme, dedicated to the reopening of the Peloponnese railway, highlighted in a meaningful way the strong connection between culture, transport and sustainable development.