History of the area

According to mythology, Mount Pelion is the home of the Centaurs, creatures that were alleged to be part human and part horse, and the most well known of all, teacher Centaur Chiron, a wise and sensible creature.

But the most enduring myth concerning Mount Pelion is that of the Argonaut campaign. For the campaign, they used the first ever paddled ship, the “Argo”, which was built in Pelion. During the period of the Byzantine Empire and later during the Occupation, many people from various ethnic backgrounds came to Pelion in order to conquer the area but none of them managed to establish their rule. In 1423, the area was occupied by the Turks, who granted a degree of autonomy to the mountain villages, thus attracting many people from the rest of the occupied country. These people played an important role in the economical development of the area.

Despite the privileges granted by the Turks, when the time of the uprising came, the Pelion people did not hesitate to take part in the revolution. On the 7th of May, 1821, Anthimos Gazis, a scholar priest from Milies, lights the flame of the revolution in Milies. Anthimos Gazis along with his fellow countryman, scholar Grigorios Konstantas, had, since 1814, been involved in running the famous school of Milies “Psichis Akos” (soul treatment).

Today, a significant proportion of the almost 10,000 rare books of the school, along with other historical material, are still kept in the library of Milies. Pelion people, people with spirit, have managed through the centuries to keep alive many of the old customs that reflect the high cultural standards of Pelion. Through ceremonies like weddings, engagements, christenings and all other Christian ceremonies, the people have maintained the numerous rituals and customs, some of which will be described below.

During the traditional celebrations for Christmas and the New Years Eve, traditional carols are sung, especially those that are sang on the eve of Epiphany by all adult males of the village. This custom is still very much alive, especially in Pinakates and Kala Nera.

Another popular and respected customs is that of “Lazarines”, during the Saturday of Lazaros - the preparation and decoration of the epitaph on Easter Thursday and the procession of the epitaph through the streets on the evening of Good Friday; and finally the celebrations marking the resurrection of Christ at midnight on Easter Saturday and on Easter Sunday, with all the fireworks, eating and drinking.

During the summer time, at the Municipality of Milies, there are a number of celebrations where the locals celebrate not only the spirit of the local saint but also ... alcoholic spirits!.

The celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin in Kala Nera is always a splendid occasion. On the eve of the Assumption, there is a procession of the holy image, accompanied by the Philharmonic orchestra and the crowds of locals who follow
the procession. Another interesting custom is the re-enactment of the traditional marriage rituals every August in Portaria, in which all phases of the marriage ritual are represented (shaving the groom, etc).