Shepherd’s Festival in Skyros: An evening full of tradition, flavors, and music
On the evening of Monday, July 7, 2025, the courtyard of the Takos Cheese Factory in Trachy, Skyros, was filled with people, sounds, aromas, and traditional flavors for the Tsopani Festival—an event dedicated to the island’s livestock and cheese-making traditions.
Traditional scene and cheese exhibition
The outdoor area of the cheese factory had been transformed into a small scene from another era: old wooden structures with thatched roofs and covers, barrels, wine presses, milk containers, and of course a dining area laid out with sheepskins and wooden stools – all designed to recreate the life and daily routine of the old shepherds of Skyros.
The cheese factory offered free cheese samples, which all visitors tasted: rich in flavor, with authentic character and the evident quality of local production. It was a true tasting experience, with visitors enjoying the unique aroma and wonderful taste of traditional cheeses.
The food: goat with manestra and other delicacies
The highlight of the evening was the food, which was generously shared among those present. Goat cooked with manestra was served, a traditional dish full of flavor and warmth. The meat was so tender that it melted in the mouth, while the manestra had absorbed all the juices and aromas of the goat.
Alongside it, a traditional salad was served, fresh and cool, as well as other accompanying meze that completed the evening’s culinary experience.
Lots of people, warm atmosphere
The turnout was impressive. From early afternoon, crowds of visitors—both locals and tourists—began to arrive, filling the space with smiles, children’s voices, and excitement. Although the event took place outdoors, it was perfectly organised, spacious and had a warm, welcoming atmosphere, which made the event even more enjoyable.
Speeches and tributes
The program also included speeches by people from the field and the scientific community: author and former member of parliament Georgios Mavrikos, professor of dairy science Theophilos Masouras, and agronomist Mantzourana Mantzouranaki, who spoke about the history, value, and future of livestock farming in Skyros.
The speeches were not merely technical or scientific. They were lively narratives filled with love for the land and its people—a hymn to the hard work of the shepherd and the wisdom of tradition.
Live music – partying until late
The party took off with live music by Nikos Skafidas and Akis Antoniou. With violin and lute, they filled the night with songs from the Aegean and the mainland, setting the rhythm for the crowd that danced, sang, and enjoyed themselves until late.
The moon and the lamps illuminated the faces of the people who became a group – just like in the festivals of old. The music set the tone and the event became a true celebration of tradition.
The shepherd of Skyros: a symbol of life and continuity
The festival was dedicated to the shepherd of Skyros – not only as a profession, but as a symbol of culture. The shepherd maintains the connection with nature, knowledge of animals, cheese production, the seasons, and ultimately self-sufficiency.
In an age when everything seems to be rushing by, the shepherd reminds us of the value of slow, honest work, of traditions passed down from generation to generation, and of a community based on the efforts of individuals for the good of the whole.
An unforgettable evening
The Shepherd’s Festival at the Takos Cheese Factory was much more than just a simple celebration. It was a celebration of life, taste, music, and culture, which left the best impressions and will certainly remain unforgettable for those who were there.
This festival, like every year, reminds us how important tradition, community, and the people who keep the culture of our island alive are. We look forward to the next time!
About the Taku Cheese Factory
Takos Cheese Factory
Trachy, Skyros
Phone: 6972824116
