Inspired by the transhumance livestock breeding, the traditional and cheese and meat products as well as the local wines of Epirus, the Region of Epirus designed and organized in July a food and culinary trip starting from Ioannina (7th July), stopping by Metsovo and Preveza (8th & 9th July) and finally Thessaloniki on 16th July 2020.
This is an action developed by the Region of Epirus within MeDInno project funded within the Cooperation Programme Interreg V-A Greece-Italy 2014-2020 aiming to (a) the promotion of the gastronomic heritage of Epirus considered as fundamental element of its cultural heritage and an important touristic resource and (b) the further enhancement of Epirus’ local products in terms of competitiveness, extroversion and visibility.
A menu of 7 dishes based on local products and recipes, adjusted to the gastronomic tradition of each area with particular emphasis on the sheep and goat dairy and meat products.
More than 150 people participated in the four (4) events representing local and regional authorities, chambers, professional and business associations, academic world, agrifood and tourism sectors, media etc.
Starting from the events held at Ioannina and Metsovo, the Governor of Epirus Mr Alexandros Kachrimanis participating as keynote speaker highlighted the strategic objective of the Region of Epirus to support transhumance livestock breeding and the small livestock breeders and producers, as well as to promote the local products of Epirus.
Towards the same goal, the Vice-Governor of Preveza Mr Stratos Ioannou was especially referred to the uniqueness of the fishery products in Preveza.
Finally, in the event organized at Thessaloniki, the thematic Vice-Governor for the Environment, the Development and the Commerce, Mrs Stavroula Braimi-Botsi welcomed the invitees. To be noted that among those that attended the event and tasted the gastronomy of Epirus were Mr Alexandros Thanos, Head of Tourism Sector of the Region of Central Macedonia, Mrs Aggeliki Bouziani, Head of the Managing Authority of ETC Programmes, Mrs Katia Sagona, Head of Unit B2 “Management and Monitoring of EU Programmes in Mediterranean and Adriatic” and Mr Pascuale Lembo, Vice-President of the Greek-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki.
During the organization of the events, both Greek partners – the Association of Transhumance Livestock-Breeders of Epirus and the Greek-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki – participated actively represented by Mr Ioannis Dekolis, President of the Association of Transhumance Livestock-Breeders of Epirus and Mr Marco Della Puppa, General Secretary of the Greek-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Thessaloniki.
Last but not least, between 7th and 9th July 2020, the Region of Epirus hosted at Ioannina 5 food and travel bloggers, who had the opportunity to discover the gastronomy of Epirus within guided daily tours at Ioannina, Zagorochoria, Metsovo, Arta and Preveza.
The activities of the Region of Epirus within MeDinno project are expected to be finalized in September with the organization of one more gastronomic event at Athens and the final event at Ioannina, where the project results for the whole cross-border area will be presented.
