Cherry blossom in Pieria

Ιn two cherry-blossoming villages of Pieria, Kolindros (area Αsproyianni) of the Municipality of Pydna-Kolindros οn April 5, and Rachi of the Municipality of Katerini, οn April 6, 2025, will be implemented the action "Cherry Blossom in Pieria".



The event is part of the Greek National Tourism Organisation programme entitled "Flowering Routes - Lefkadios Hearn", giving us all the opportunity to enjoy the creations of nature, to photograph the sublime landscape, to be guided and informed on the cherry tree walks, to taste the gastronomic proposals, but also to become acquainted with the poetic expressions with reference to cherry trees.

A varied program in the light of the charm of the flowers that the cherry trees generously show off, as the first blossoming tree that heralds spring, includes the programme in the two cherry-blossoming villages of Pieria.

As the Greek author and poet Menelaos Ludemis rightly says, paraphrasing his expressive speech, we are sure that: "The cherry trees will blossom this year in Pieria". So let us enjoy them. The invitation is open to all.

The event is under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, organised by the Pierian Organisation of Tourism Development and Promotion «Olympus Riviera», and co-organised by the Regional Unit of Pieria, the Municipality of Katerini, the Municipality of Pydna-Kolindros, the Chamber of Commerce of Pieria, and the Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi “Saint Loukas” .

PROGRAMME

KOLINDROS

12:30 Welcome to the cherry orchards
12:45 - 14:30 Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Cherry Orchards
12:45 & 14:15 Guided tour of the cherry orchards by local producers and agronomists. Information from the Researcher of the Hellenic Agricultural Research Organisation "DIMITRA" in the Department of Deciduous Fruit Trees, Konstantinos Kazantzis, about the old cherry varieties in Kolindros
13:00 Photographic Workshop on the topic: "Macro flower photography techniques" with the "Iris" group of the Pieridon Muses Center of Katerinis
13:00 - 14:00 Interactive games for young and old "Take a dose of tradition". For the little ones to learn and the grown-ups to remember. Traditional game revival corners. Co-organiser: Kolindros Cultural Association "Nikolaos Lousis"

Activities in Kolindros Square
Music, dance and theatrical events l Traditional dances and songs

15:00 "Music of the World" by the Kolindros Philharmonic of the Municipality of Pydna-Kolindros Direction: Vangelis Bousmalis
15:20 “Tribute to Tradition” by the Mixed Choir “Alexis Zorbas” of the Municipality of Pydna-Kolindros with choirmaster Vangelis Bousmalis and the Traditional Music Choir of Giannitsa with conductor Stefanos Kaliotakis
16:15 Kolindros Cultural Association “Nikolaos Lousis”
16:30 Makrygialos Charitable Cultural Association “The House of Love”
16:45 Theatrical performance: “The cherry trees will bloom this year too. SAKURA the legend of the cherry blossom” Directed by: Kostas Mystakidis / Written by: Tina Ioannidou / Music: Charalambos Navrozidis / Cast: Kostas Mystakidis, Tina Ioannidou, Angeliki Gountroumbi
An action that begins with a dramatized narration with live music, of the Japanese Legend of Sakura, the blooming cherry tree, the tree - symbol of beauty, the ephemerality of life and rebirth. Co-organiser: MΩ Theater

Educational workshops l Cooking demonstration

15:00 - 16:00 "The blooming cherry trees under the microscope of the LOGIC Museum"
Young visitors will have the opportunity to observe plant material and microorganisms from the rhizosphere of cherries under the microscope, for students in 5th grade to 3rd grade. Priority will be given. Registration: potap.pieria@gmail.com Co-organizer: LOGIC Museum of Science and Technology of the Department of Supply Chain Management, DI.PAE.

Parallel event
15:45 Live cooking project: Chef Dimitris Dermisis, together with our little friends, will make cherry-based recipes


RACHI

Activities at the Rachi Agricultural Cooperative

12:00 Welcome to the cherry orchards
12.15 Game "Name-Animals-Plants" for children and parents
12.15 Painting for Kindergarten children
12.45 Pantomime for parents and children
12.45 Painting for Elementary school children
13.00 Experiential workshop “Flowers_We live together” for elementary school children by Rodi Eleftheriadou and Vasso Lagomichou
13:30 Concert by the band “The Magic Bus”
13.45 Guided tour of the Cooperative’s facilities
14:00 - 15:00 "The blooming cherry trees under the microscope of the LOGIC Museum"
Young visitors will have the opportunity to observe plant material and microorganisms from the rhizosphere of cherries under the microscope, for students in 5th grade to 3rd grade. A first-come, first-served basis will be maintained. Registration: potap.pieria@gmail.com Co-organizer: LOGIC Museum of Science and Technology of the Department of Supply Chain Management, DI.PAE.
14:30 Live cooking project: Chef Dimitris Dermisis, together with our little friends, will make cherry-based recipes
15:00 Theatrical performance: “The cherry trees will bloom this year too. SAKURA the myth of the cherry blossom tree” Directed by: Kostas Mystakidis / Written by: Tina Ioannidou / Music: Charalambos Navrozidis / Cast: Kostas Mystakidis, Tina Ioannidou, Angeliki Gountroumbi
An action that begins with a dramatized narration with live music, of the Japanese Myth of Sakura, the blooming cherry tree, the tree - symbol of beauty, the ephemerality of life and rebirth. Co-organised by: MΩ Theater
15.30 Traditional dances by the Cultural Association of Agios Dimitrios "Zias" & the Cultural Association of Rachis "Ta Patria"
15:00 Award ceremony for the winners of the handicraft competition for Kindergarten and Primary School students Co-organiser: Directorate of Primary Education of Pieria Prefecture
16.00 “Flowers and Treats”: Concert of Traditional and Artistic Music with Dimitris Ifantis

Activities in Kerasonas

12.30 Homestay
13:00 - 14:30 Hot Air Balloon Ride
13:00 Gymnastics in nature from the “Bootcamp Fitness Studio” Gym
13:30 “Dance in Kerasonas” from the “Atelier De La Danse” Dance School
14.15 Homestay
14:30 Photography Workshop on the topic: “Macro flower photography techniques” with the “Iris” group of the Pieridon Muses Center of Katerinis

Parallel events
12:00 Cycling race in the cherry orchards starting from Agios Loukas Rachis Square Co-organiser: Pieria Cycling Escape
12:00 Walking race in the cherry orchards starting from Agios Loukas Rachis Square Co-organiser: Pieria Runners' Association "Zeus"

Activities on both days:
-cherry-based dishes will be offered by local organisations and associations
- painting and felting activities.
- for our little friends creative activities on the theme "Creativity Blooms".
- Creative Writing Workshop for children 7-14 years old
- Treasure Hunt for children 2-6 years old
- Crafts for all ages

and many other surprises