31/01/2008
ANO LOUROS AND DITIKO XIROVOUNI REGION/NATURAL GEOGRAPHY

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A river flows watering a protected valley which man early chose for settlement. It is the Louros river and its impressive ravine with dense plane trees and willow-trees, that those that travel on the Ioannina – Athens national road know well, since the road follows the course of the river. Small residences are perched on the steep banks, their lights sparkling at night. It is frequently foggy and icy in winter. However, the scenery remains charming and often becomes mysterious and otherworldly. Its appearance is never the same. This is the region of Ano Louros.
Characteristic of the region are dry mountains, scattered communities - the Sklivani community is spread over 20 km on the western side of Xirovouni – holly and goats that eat it with relish and a dance: the “kangelaris.” The dancers are linked with a strict hierarchy, the elder priest in front, then the men, the women follow, and the children are at the tail. It is danced at Easter and other spring and summer holidays of Christianity always on consecrated ground (church yards, monasteries). The ritual makes an important contribution to the identity and the continuity of the community. This is Ditiko Xirovouni, for ages a pass used by those travelling from the inner area of the mainland to the Ionian coast and the Ambracian gulf. It lost its significance following the construction of the Ioannina – Arta national road. Both regions display beautiful and interesting historical and religious monuments.