Ithaca, an island with a rich cultural and natural heritage, is not only known for its history and mythology, but also for the active participation of its local community through its associations. From cultural and athletic activities to nature-loving and artistic initiatives, the residents of Ithaca offer alternative outlets to permanent residents and visitors alike, keeping the place vibrant and creative, even during the winter months. Come explore them!
Ithaca Welfare Club – Philharmonic Orchestra
The “Ithaca Philharmonic and Music School” was founded in 1904 by music-loving Ithacans, with the aim of providing free music education and participating in cultural and social events. The Philharmonic is an autonomous association, a private law entity, and a non-profit organization. Integrated since 1923 into the “Ithaca Welfare Club” (K.O.I.), it constitutes one of the island's main cultural institutions.
“This association has the largest living potential on the island, after compulsory education schools,” states the president of the association Mr. Tilemachos Vlasopoulos. The Philharmonic has its own building, classrooms, a musical instrument museum, full logistical infrastructure, and a collection of music books.
According to him, the philharmonic orchestra usually consists of 30 people, mainly school-age children and a few adults. “The Philharmonic is a great cultural school in a small place,” states Mr. Vlasopoulos in an attempt to interpret the significance of the Philharmonic for his homeland. At the same time, he hastened to emphasize the educational nature of the Philharmonic. “Approximately 80 children are trained in the association, which corresponds to more than half of the children in the island's schools. Musical education is a very serious matter. In Europe it is considered essential. Here it is provided free of charge. Moreover, as he proudly emphasizes to us, “the Philharmonic has represented Ithaca in many cities in Greece and abroad, such as Madrid, as well as at the Athens Concert Hall. This year, the association organized a series of anniversary events for its 120th anniversary.”
The conductor is Mr. Panagiotis Zafeiropoulos, an active musician of the Athens Orchestra. In parallel, the Philharmonic organizes concerts and frequently collaborates with acclaimed musicians and singers from the State Orchestra and the Greek National Opera.
Mr. Vlasopoulos also emphasized, “the Ionian has a long and distinct classical music tradition, which differs from the rest of Greece. However, maintaining the Philharmonic is difficult, as many children leave the island after the third grade of high school, which makes it difficult to re-staff the Philharmonic.”
Ithaca Municipal Mandolinata “Baptistis Kouvaras”
The Ithaca Municipal Mandolinata is one of the island’s most vibrant cultural institutions, with a long history stretching back to 1962. It was re-established in 2007, thanks to the initiative of Angelos Kouvaras and the support of his friends, Minas Mania and Giannis Molfesis, former students of the 'Proodos' Mandolinata of 1962, which was then directed by Baptistis Kouvaras.
The re-establishment of the Mandolinata would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of Gregor Schaefer, a German conductor and permanent resident of Ithaca for 40 years, who has taken on the organization and guidance of the group, shaping it into its current form.
“Currently, we are 20-22 people, while in the summer we reach 25-30 members of various ages, with the average age being 55-60, and we meet every Tuesday and Saturday,” explains Ms. Natasa Blisma, a member of the group. “Younger children usually go to the Philharmonic, which is also very important for our island. Music here is an outlet, a wonderful occupation that helps develop skills. It’s very nice to be part of a group where everyone motivates each other,” she adds.
The Mandolinata was initially housed in the Philharmonic building of the Ithaca Welfare Club and then in a room of the old Primary School, in Vounaki. Since 2007, it has been incorporated into the Municipality of Ithaca, and is now called “Ithaca Municipal Mandolinata – Vaptistis Kouvaras.” “Today it is housed in a building in the kindergarten courtyard,” says Ms. Vlysma, emphasizing that they have excellent cooperation with the municipality, which supports their efforts.
The Mandolinata has been strengthened over the years with donations of musical instruments, the most significant being the donation of a piano by Annie and Vassilis Karavias. “Our space is excellent, and the Municipality actively supports us, which is crucial for our work,” points out Ms. Vlysma.
Revival of the Ionian Islands' musical tradition
The Mandolinata performs regularly each year in Vathy and in the villages of Ithaca in cooperation with their Welfare Clubs. “We participate in the Municipality’s festive programs and are always present at events where we are invited. In the summer, we definitely have one concert and visit the island’s villages,” states Ms. Vlysma.
Ithaca Municipal Choir
The Ithaca Municipal Choir, founded in 2003, constitutes a vibrant cultural core of the island. Starting from the KAPI of Ithaca, it evolved into a Municipal Choir and has since continued its journey with a rich repertoire and many events, both in Ithaca and beyond.
The continuation of the Choir is due to the close cooperation among its members, the contribution of the Conductor, the support of each municipal authority, but mainly to the love and support of the Ithacans.
The choir consists of approximately 30 amateur choristers, the conductor, and a small musical group of four who play piano, harmonica, guitar, and bouzouki.
The musical tradition of the Ionian Islands, with its serenades and evening gatherings, where groups sang accompanied by guitar and mandolin, is an integral part of their cultural heritage. Today, the Choir and Mandolin Orchestra of Ithaca keep these elements alive, maintaining the Ionian culture as a living tradition.
Football Athletic Club “Odysseus”
The Football Athletic Club “Odysseas” (P.A.O. ODYSSEAS) was founded in 1980, fulfilling a long-standing desire of the residents of Northern Ithaca to create a sports club that would represent the area in sporting events. Since then, “ODYSSEAS” has been a constant point of reference in the Kefallonia-Ithaca championships, contributing not only to sports but also to the island's social events.
With its integration into the Union of Football Associations of the Prefecture, “Odysseas” started in the B’ Amateur Division. In its very first championship in which it participated (1980-81), it managed to be promoted to the A’ Division. One of the team’s top performances was recorded in the 1983-84 season, when it took 3rd place in the A’ Division. Furthermore, in the 1988-89 season, “Odysseas” won the title of B’ Division Champion, and repeated the success in the 2013-14 season, astonishing with its performance and establishing itself as a strong opponent.
A significant milestone in the club's history was in 1994, when its stadium in Stavros was inaugurated, thanks to the generous donation of Nikolaos Raftopoulos-Pasha, historical president and founding member of the club. With the acquisition of its own stadium, “Odysseas” realized a dream of many generations.
Another decisive step for the team took place in 2014, with the establishment of the “Odysseas” Children's Team. “Odysseas” continues to be a key pillar of sports in Ithaca, with remarkable performances and an active role in promoting the athletic spirit among younger generations.
Ithaca Dance & Culture Association - “Harilaos Tsigonias”
The Ithaca Dance and Culture Association “Harilaos Tsigonias” is the realization of the vision of the late gymnastics teacher and educator of the Ithaca Naval High School (1961-1974), Harilaos Tsigonias. Under his guidance, the Association took its first steps in 1983, starting as a Dance Group of the Municipality of Ithaca. In 1998, on the initiative of his students who wished to honor his memory, the Association took its present form.
Today, the Association operates as a non-profit organization and its members work with dedication to preserve, transmit, and promote the cultural heritage of Ithaca and Greece. Through a constantly upward course, the Association has made successful appearances in Greece and abroad, while actively participating in the cultural events of Ithaca. Its activities include dance performances, participation in social, religious, and spiritual events, as well as the revival of local customs.
With dance sections for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors, the Association provides traditional dance lessons, promoting education and culture. The support of local authorities and the community of Ithaca is crucial for its operation.
KAPI (Center for Open Protection of the Elderly)
The Center for Open Protection of the Elderly (KAPI) of the Municipality of Ithaca was founded on October 29, 1984, with the mission of providing medico-social care to the island’s elderly, enabling them to remain active members of their families and the community.
“KAPI is one of the important structures of the Municipality of Ithaca,” says Ms. Ourania Louka, Deputy Mayor for Social Policy and Welfare of the Municipality of Ithaca, who is also a doctor, speaking to thekefalonianglobe.gr. “Since I took office last year, we have made a significant effort to upgrade the KAPI structure. Our goal is to bring the elderly closer together and encourage them to remain active, especially during the winter months. We want them to get out of their homes and participate in activities that will bring them joy and interaction. We renovated the KAPI premises, creating a more welcoming atmosphere. We also started a series of cultural and social activities, in collaboration with the island’s associations. Our goal is to enhance contact between older and younger generations, so that they can exchange knowledge and traditions. This is a two-way relationship between different generations,” she points out.
Activities and events
“Approximately once a week, mainly every Wednesday, we organize various activities at KAPI. Among other things, these meetings may include philosophical discussions, musical evenings with the choir and mandolin orchestra, and festive events. In addition, there are knitting, crafts, dance, singing, and sports groups, which offer entertainment and pleasure to our members. In fact, KAPI organized a knitting exhibition in the summer and we aspire to hold a bazaar in the future. Also, every year KAPI organizes a large excursion and several day trips. This year on the excursion we visited Kastoria, Florina, Nymfaio and Prespes, while in the summer, we always organize a big party with an orchestra to close the season,” says Ms. Louka.
Ithaca Women’s Association “Penelope”
The Ithaca Women's Association “Penelope,” founded in 1985, serves as a point of reference for women's empowerment and the promotion of Ithaca's cultural and social development.
As the president, Ms. Ourania Mavromati, states: “Currently, we have about 140-150 members, all women, but their spouses often participate in our events, such as the cutting of the Vasilopita. We meet almost every month for an event, although in the summer, meetings become less frequent.”
The Association organizes a variety of activities, from entertainment gatherings to talks on issues concerning women and beyond. “It is an active association, with the average age of our members being 50 to 60 years old,” notes the president.
The meetings are hosted either at the Cultural Center or in restaurants or other suitable venues. “We are a small place, and we all know each other. Every woman who comes to the island can join the association and become a member,” emphasizes the president, inviting new members to join the association.
It should be noted that the continuous presence and activities of the Association throughout the years highlight the importance of female unity and cooperation for the progress of the local community. Through philanthropic and cultural initiatives, the Association continues to offer support to the island's women, actively participate in the community's needs, and keep the traditions of the place alive.
Friends of Art Education Association of Ithaca “En Choro”
The Friends of Art Education Association of Ithaca “En Choro” is a non-profit organization based in the town of Ithaca, founded in 2009. Since then, it has been an important cultural institution on the island, aiming to develop and promote the art of dance and culture in general.
Today, the Association offers ballet, contemporary, and modern dance classes, as well as Zumba. The activities are primarily aimed at children and teenagers, with a steady participation of 40-60 children per year. “Classes are held three weekends a month, and we collaborate with certified teachers. Although there were quite a few boys in the first few years, we now have only two,” notes the association’s treasurer, Ms. Vicky Softi.
The children's eagerness to attend classes undoubtedly demonstrates the Association's importance to the local community. “The children are very happy. In the summer, they constantly ask us when classes will start again,” says Ms. Softi.
The Association participates in the Municipality's Christmas events with choreographed performances and every summer organizes a musical theater performance, with the participation of all children. It also collaborates with other cultural organizations for philanthropic, environmental, and cultural activities.
Ithaca Sports Club “AO Proodos”
The Ithaca Sports Club “Proodos,” founded in 1950, is one of the most important pillars of sports on the island. Starting as an association with various activities, it was transformed in 1957 into a purely athletic club, which continues to inspire generations of young people, offering an outlet through sports.
Historical milestones
“Proodos” has left its mark on many significant moments for Ithaca’s sports. In 1976 it joined the Union of Patras Football Associations and just one year later it was declared champion of the Γ’ Amateur Division in football. In 1980, as champion of the B’ Amateur Division of Patras, it joined the newly established Union of Kefalonia and Ithaca Football Associations, and in 1981 it was crowned Cup Winner of its division. A significant moment was also the acquisition of its home ground in 1959, at the Municipal Stadium of Ithaca.
The club's departments
Today, the Club operates two main departments, football and sailing, as stated by Mr. Christos Manolopoulos, the president of the club, speaking to thekefalonianglobe.gr. More specifically, as he explains:
The football department includes approximately 20-25 individuals in the men's team, while academies also operate for younger members. The academies start from Junior, which has about 15 children (1st-3rd grade Primary School) and is followed by the U12 where 15-20 children participate (4th-6th grade Primary School).
The sailing section currently includes 6-7 children aged 6 to 13. Sailing operates throughout the year with the help of a permanent coach, while the section's support has been secured by private sponsorship for the past two years, according to the president.
Challenges and infrastructure
Despite its significant contribution to the athletic involvement of young people, the Club faces serious challenges in its sports facilities. The damage caused by the “Ballos” storm in October 2021 left the municipal stadium in Vathi, Ithaca, with significant damage that raises concerns about the safe practice of sports for the children and members of the club, and for the residents of the island in general. The playing field and changing rooms suffered severe deterioration, making immediate restoration imperative.
The Importance of “Progress” for Children
Mr. Manolopoulos states: “The main purpose of the association is to help children escape from everyday life and engage in sports. In a small island like Ithaca, sports offer children entertainment and an outlet. Despite the difficulties, the children come to the field and spend their time constructively.”
“Phorcys”: The association that keeps Ithaca’s theatrical flame alive
Since 1991, when the Ithaca Theater Group began to present its first performances, and officially since 1996, the Ithaca Friends of Theater and Cinema Association “Ο Phorcys” has been one of the cornerstones of culture in Ithaca. With a rich activity that includes theater, cinema, and every form of artistic expression, “Phorcys” continues to inspire the local community with its creativity and contribution. The Association has about 30 active members, mainly women, with an average age of 45+, as the president of the association, Mr. Alexandros Taflambas, tells thekefalonianglobe.gr.
Theatrical Performances: A Tradition Continues
For more than 25 years, the club's theatrical group has staged a theatrical performance each year. “Phorcys”'s repertoire includes works by great Greek and foreign authors, such as Aristophanes, Chekhov, Molière, Brecht, and Xenopoulos. The performances cover a wide range of theatrical genres, from classical comedies to contemporary social satires. For the past 15 years, the Association has collaborated with the great director Periklis Vasilopoulos from Patras. This year, the Association is staging the play “Tsapatsoulies” on December 19 at the Ithaca Cultural Center in Vathy.
Furthermore, in the summer, the group creates a children’s stage, giving the island’s children the opportunity to experience theater and participate as protagonists in performances.
The club's longevity is a result of continuous effort and passion for art. “We grew up with theatre in Ithaca. In our performances, we all try to play and engage meaningfully with theatre. Although younger generations participate less, we continue to work and create,” emphasizes the president.
Cinematographic activities
Cinema is also an integral part of the association’s activities. Since 1997, the members of “Phorcys” have voluntarily supported the Municipal Cinema of Ithaca. Since 2015, the group has started operating an open-air cinema, offering free film screenings in collaboration with the island’s Welfare Clubs.
Screenings take place all over Ithaca, from open-air spaces to cafes, covering the entertainment needs of the island's residents, especially during the summer. “Phorcys” organizes the “Thernon” short film festival every summer for the last six years, screening creations from all over the world, as Mr. Taflambas informs us.
Ithaca Nature-Loving Hiking Association “The TRAGodOí”
The Ithaca Nature-Loving Hiking Association “The TRAGodOí” was founded in November 2021 on the initiative of Tilemachos Gavanonzis, a person who always felt connected to nature. “From childhood, I was a nature lover, and during the pandemic, when I started walking in the mountains of Ithaca, the idea of creating an association was born. A non-profit organization, with the aim of highlighting the natural beauties of our island,” he notes.
The Association currently numbers 30-40 members. Participants cover a wide range of ages, from children and parents to individuals aged 60-65, with the majority being women aged 40-45.
Weekly routes and special activities
Every Friday, the route of the week is announced, which takes place on Sunday. An average of 15 people participate in each route, exploring the paths of Ithaca. “There are paths with archaeological interest, others with historical significance, and of course there are those that reveal unique natural beauty,” emphasizes Mr. Gavanonzis.
“A typical example is the path that leads to Anogi, where there is a church with rare depictions, such as that of Satan,” he specifically states. In fact, the Association also plans to extend its activities outside Ithaca, in collaboration with other associations from different regions.
Collective initiatives flourish in Ithaca
Ithaca has many associations that contribute to maintaining the island’s social and cultural life. “We want to offer alternative options to visitors, as well as to residents. To encourage them to leave their homes, to keep them alive in winter, in a place that, without these initiatives, would be more isolated,” says Mr. Gavanonzis.
The “TRAGodOí” Association is not just a hiking group, but a community that promotes respect for nature, history, and culture, offering participants experiences that connect people with their land.
Ithaca's associations are the backbone of the island's social and cultural life. Through their love for tradition, art, sports, and nature, these people keep collectivity alive and create a dynamic community. Whether it's theatrical performances, hikes, festivals, or sports events, Ithaca's associations prove that, in a small place, will and passion can make a difference, highlighting the cultural richness and beauty of the island.
Information from Ithaca.gr