kasos community drystone practice “Argadia in Chadies”

As part of the initiative “The Past and Future of Dry Stone Walling in Kasos”, COMM’ON collaborated with the Municipality of the Heroic Island of Kasos on the production of the short documentary “In Search of Argadia”, directed by Nefeli Papaioannou. The film aims to document the local art of drystone on the island and its connection to the tradition of Argadia (a practice of collective labor).

On the occasion of the film's production, we supported the local community to organize an Argadia, for the repair of traditional drystone structures (vastaoi -retaining walls- and double-faced walls) in the orchard of Agios Georgios, in the area of Chadies.

From 10:00 a.m. until  5:00 p.m., members of the local community, young and old, gathered on site to revive this ancestral tradition. With the guidance and expertise of local drystone artisans, participants worked together to restore damaged stonework in the orchard. The gathering concluded with an impromptu feast featuring food and music, in accordance with tradition.

*The mini documentary will be ready summer of 2025.

. . . .

When: 25 May 2025

Where: Ai Giorgis, Chadies, Kasos

The project “The Past and Future of the art of drystone in Kasos” was implemented by the Municipality of the Heroic Island of Kasos, with the support of COMM’ON organization and in collaboration with the Kasos Walkers.

The project was co-funded by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.