Paulien Lethen is a visual artist from Holland and a citizen of the world. As the true artist that she is, she turns every space she lives in, into an art space; the Azari house in Parikia, her summer house in Kounados as well as her winter main house in Newburgh, New York. In this interview we follow her life across Paros, Japan, Paros again and finally New York in her own words.
In Naoussa, Paros, a re-enactment event called “Koursaroi” (pirates) is held every year on the occasion of the ninth day of the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Mother of God on the 23rd of August. Young men, dressed as pirates, as old-time seafarers, that is – or should we picture them as one-eyed and peg-legged? – step aboard boats and all kinds of vessels, then storm the port of Naoussa and abduct women. Next, the people of Naoussa counterattack and take their women back, saving them and their honour from the much-hated, barbarous pirates!
In the year 2019, which was, supposedly, the last normal year for tourism before the pandemic hit, more that 1,000,000 people visited Paros island. The vast majority came in the 6-month period between May and October, and more that 400,000 visited in peak season, between June and September. Permanent or semi-permanent residents of Paros do not exceed 20,000.
Respect for life with no exceptions, efficiency and organization, a quiet presence on the island, and a love for nature. On the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Alkyoni Wildlife Care & Protection Association’s establishment in Paros, we asked its president, Marios Fournaris, to answer our questions.
There were permanent residents in Paros and Antiparos before the tourist boom. But, since these islands became more accessible to visitors (by ferry, private boat or plane), the demand for residential property has been rising at a rapid rate.
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, we are happy to present you national costumes of that time with an emphasis on the Aegean region. The costumes come from the collection of “Naoussa, Paros” Music and Dance Ensemble, which has been active since 1988 in Naoussa and participated in a number of events in Greece and abroad aiming to maintain and spread the island’s authentic music and dance tradition.
Country borders do not stop birds. They fly easily over when they search for the best living conditions for themselves and their young. Some birds stop for a while on Antiparos, to eat and get enough energy for a further journey, either north or south.
Parikia can easily deceive you. The noisy area of the port, the crowds and traffic jam, especially in the summer time, and the dazzling white marble paved square do not prepare you for the atmosphere and the picturesque character of the old town. You have to leave the port behind you and cross the square in order to discover the hidden treasures of Parikia.
Paros is the surfers’ favourite island. They meet here every summer for their daily crossing on the surf board.
