Dear Friends of Amari,

Dear Friends of Amari,   As we approach the end of 2024, we hope this annual newsletter finds you well, wherever you are in the world. For us, it has been a year of inspiration, celebration and planting seeds for the years ahead. Our chairperson, Stella Kassimati, has permanently moved back to Amari, bringing us hope for many more exciting events and gatherings at our Estia in the future.    Here are some highlights from 2024:   Sharing Best Practices at Artist in Residence   As you know, each year Friends of Amari welcomes artists, writers, musicians, composers, sculptors, painters, dancers and storytellers from around the world who seek a stunningly beautiful and secluded environment to work, rest and find inspiration.   In May 2024, our Estia hosted a group of storytelling teachers and practitioners from South Africa, Mexico, the Netherlands, Greece, Ireland, England, and Wales. They spent a week in Amari, enjoying delicious food and organic wine, the fragrant blooms of the village, and the heartwarming melodies of goat bells. Each morning, the group shared best practices from their storytelling teaching work, inspiring and supporting one another. In the afternoons, they explored Amari’s breathtaking landscapes—walking the playgrounds of the Greek gods Pan and Zeus, visiting the gorge of Hermes, swimming at the beach and more. The fruits of this inspiring week continue to ripen in the collaborative work these storytelling teachers are now pursuing remotely.

Celebrating Special Moments at Estia In June, our Estia opened her hearth for the wedding of Yorgi and Ellie.   Nine guests stayed at Estia for three days. Since the foundation of Friends of Amari, this marked the fifth special occasion celebrated at the Estia, making her very happy as Hestia is the protector goddess of families.   The Estia is available to Amari residents for special occasions such as weddings and christenings where families can come together to celebrate. You can check our website for availability.

Between the 21st and 25th of August, we celebrated the Amari Village Festival with concerts, seminars, and—of course—good food, excellent wine and fantastic company. Twenty-five talented musicians traveled from Athens to perform for the festival. Nine of them stayed at our Estia, while the others were hosted by the Cultural Association of Amari. The evening concert took place in the beautiful olive groves by the church of Kerapanagia, and the following morning, the children of local families performed a concert in the old school. Throughout the day, the Women’s Association of Amari served delicious food, while people danced, sang and celebrated the spirit of community.

Join Us for a Fun Week in May 2025 Next year, we are hosting a special week of walking, eating, and storytelling. We invite you to join us for the Amari Special Triathlon, which will take place from the 17th to the 24th of May 2025 in the Amari village.   This event will be a vibrant celebration of the beauty of the Amari Valley in spring.   Over eight days, we will embark on five daily walks of 2–4 hours with moderate difficulty, guided by our wonderful guide, Stella Kalogeraki. Stella is from Amari and she has walked the mountains around Amari her entire life. We are so lucky to be in her company.   The rest of the day will be spent enjoying homemade meals, excellent local wine, and sharing myths and stories. One day will be dedicated to a trip to the beach to savour the Cretan seaside.

Exciting Plans Ahead The board of Friends of Amari is currently working on the structural and logistical requirements to open a backpacker hostel with twelve beds in our four rooms. This space will welcome travellers, artists, and anyone whose journey brings them to Amari. We will share updates as plans take shape.   Wishing you all Solstice and Christmas blessings and a happy new year…   Love and blessings, Friends of Amari