Ierissos in Halkidiki is the oldest and largest village of the Municipality of Aristotle, with 3,455 inhabitants in 2011 (Government Gazette 3465, issue B / 28-12-2012). It historically continues the legacy of the ancient Akanthos, which was a colony of the Andrians from the 7th century BC and a significant city of Macedonia, as mentioned by historians and revealed through archaeological research.
The present settlement was built from scratch after the old one was flattened by the deadly earthquake of 7 Richter in 1932, which had its epicenter here, near the sea. As shown by excavations, the present town is built over the ancient cemetery of Akanthos.
Modern Ierissos is a beautiful and modernly structured seaside town with rich historical and cultural heritage. It is the seat of the Municipality of Aristotle. Upon entering from Stratoniki, the Krouna tower stands out, at the center the Cultural Center, and a little further out across from the port, the walls of Ancient Akanthos are visible.
Although Akanthos was famous for its wine, the modern-day Ierissians engage in fishing, shipbuilding, trade, construction projects in Mount Athos, and tourism. It is an important port of Northern Greece, with a notable fishing fleet. Additionally, the fish of the Ierissos Gulf are renowned throughout Greece for their taste. The orkiní, a type of tuna caught in the area from May to early June, is particularly special. It is cooked in a tomato sauce or salted.
The Ierissians have long been renowned shipbuilders, continuing an ancient craft passed down through generations. The shipyards of Ierissos are among the oldest in Greece, with famous shipbuilders like the traditional naval craftsman Dimitris Papasterianos, who is no longer alive. Throughout the Ottoman period, Ierissos belonged to the historic Mandemochoria. The inhabitants of Ierissos participated in the 1821 revolution and have notable fighters like Athanasios and Konstantinos Vlachomihalis.
HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Most visitors pass through Ierissos either to head to Mount Athos or to enjoy its sandy beaches. It has the advantage of having beaches suitable for swimming and awarded the Blue Flag, with beach bars, cafes, and taverns within the settlement, on the seaside pedestrian street, making it a unique holiday destination. There are many accommodations available, including rented rooms, studios, furnished apartments, and hotels right next to the beach. There are also two campsites. Leaving Ierissos towards Nea Roda, you will see the old shipyards on the left.
CULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS
Many associations develop activities in Ierissos, such as the cultural association “Kleigenis,” the musical and dance association “Kagkeleftos,” the “Friends of the Environment” association, the musical and gymnastic association “Akanthos,” as well as professional associations and clubs (Association of Professionals, Fishermen’s Association, Builders’ Association, Agricultural Cooperative). The remarkable social and cultural activity of the inhabitants has a centuries-old tradition. This is evidenced by the large number of notable folk songs that remain alive in the tradition of the area and are still sung today.
TRADITIONS
The area has many interesting traditions. One tradition of particular interest is the custom at the so-called Black Threshing Floor, or “Tou Mavrou Niu to Aloni,” every year on the third day of Easter. This is a location near Ierissos, where in 1821, the Turks, under the orders of Sidiq Yusuf Bey, slaughtered 400 Ierissians.
Tradition has it that the bey had promised general amnesty to all who would surrender, as Halkidiki had also rebelled at that time. Four hundred Ierissians appeared, believing his promise, but he forced them, under the threat of weapons, to dance. With each turn of the dance, the Turks slaughtered one dancer with their swords. Since then, in remembrance of this massacre, a memorial service is held at the site, and afterwards, a dance takes place, in which hundreds of Ierissians and visitors participate.
A specific dance, called “kagkeleftos,” represents the great massacre. It is slow and resembles the hesitant and slow steps of people condemned to death. Since, for many years after the event, the custom was performed in the presence of Turks, some things could not be clearly stated. The song speaks with many allusions to the longed-for freedom. When the song nears its end, the first two dancers join hands in an arch, representing the swords of the Turkish executioners, and all the other dancers pass underneath twice. Interestingly, each verse of the song is alternately sung by one of the men and one of the women participating in the dance.
SHARETHE ARTICLE