Megalo Chorio, officially Mega Chorion, is a mountain village in
the Prefecture of Evrytania. It is built in a dense fir forest at an
altitude of 720 meters on the slopes of Mount Kaliakouda. It belongs
to the Kallikrat Municipality of Karpenisi, while until 2010 it was
the seat of the Kapodistrian Municipality of Potamia. It is 17 km
from Karpenisi. Its population according to the 2011 census amounts
to 219 inhabitants. In recent years, the village has experienced
tourism development.
Local community of Megalo Chorio
The
local community, apart from the village of the same name, includes
the settlements of Gavros (35 inhabitants) and Neo Dermati (30
inhabitants). The total population of the Local Community of Megalo
Chorio amounts to 284 inhabitants, according to the 2011 census.
The village square with the plane tree offers a view towards the
valley of the Karpenisiotis river and the peaks of Mount Helidona.
Another attraction for visitors is the Historical and Folklore
Museum with exhibits of folk art, ecclesiastical relics, tools of
traditional professions, etc. At the entrance of the village is the
bust of the 17-year-old resistance heroine Panagiota Stathopoulou.
Eve of Lights - Good Morning: One of the most beautiful customs of
the village - but also of the region - is the "Good Morning" custom. Its
history begins with the Turkish occupation and according to this the
young people of the village (more than 20-25 people) who are called
"Kalimerades" start from the night of the Eve of Lights and sing carols
with drums. The carols sometimes last until the morning since the young
people have to sing the carols in all the houses of the village. The
next day, the day of the Lights, there is a big feast in which all the
villagers participate, as well as those who are passers-by and
foreigners who happen to be in the village. They eat and drink for free
since everything has been paid for with the money the Kalimerades
collected from caroling the night before.
Where to go – What to
see: The village may not be huge, but it has its wealth of attractions.
You will see mainly traditional, restored houses. It also has
picturesque alleys and traditional cafes and taverns. It also has the
Folklore Museum, which we recommend you visit. At a distance of two
kilometers is the small village at an altitude of 900 meters.
What to eat – What to try: When you visit Evrytania you will try the
most traditional dishes such as pies, game and local grilled trout. But
don't stop at these, there are so many more waiting to tantalize your
palate. From dairy, try tsalafouti. It is a traditional soft white
cheese. Pastas such as trachanas, and traditional noodles have their
place of honor. From meat he chose kokoretsi, kontosouvli, ribs, zygouri
with noodles, wine rooster, boiled goat, sausage always accompanied by
homemade wine. Learn more about the cuisine of Evrytania –> The
traditional dishes of Evrytania and its delicious cuisine.
If you
want to try the most delicious galaktobourek of your life, then you will
find it in Megalo Chorio. There, right in the center of the village, you
will find "Rakomelo" cafe, or the well-known "Karveli's milk pie". He
ordered a milkshake - of course - and an ekmek kadaifi. Happy Tip: It is
reputed to have the best galaktobourek in Evrytania and beyond. And we
agree. It's delicious. Find them on their official website
karvelis.com.gr. See more about the delicious galaktoburek, here.
Where to stay - Accommodation : During our stay in Megalo village,
but also in the surrounding area, we chose to stay at the Anerada Inn.
It is a hotel with a unique aesthetic that will surely pique your
interest. If you want to stay in it too, look here.
What to buy:
From the Megalo village you can get whatever traditional goodies you
want since it has several shops with traditional products. Of course,
don't leave the village without trying their famous galaktobourek.
What is your opinion on the ideal destination for the Eve of the
Lights? Have you ever been to the Megalo Chorio of Evrytania? Tell us
your experience in the comments!