The squares of the villages of Epirus (and the whole country) may be decorated with fir trees, but in Sklivani of Dodoni, it is the centuries-old holly that gives the residents the special Christmas cheer. And it is special, because the holly tree in the square awakens their childhood memories every year, as it has always been connected to the Holy Days and beyond.

Sklivanites do not decorate a Christmas tree, they light up their holly every year, with a beautiful night event, where the whole village participates. Every year the lighting of the holly tree is accompanied by Christmas carols and songs by the children.

It is a custom, a legacy from generation to generation that the “Brotherhood of Sklivanites of Ioannina” preserves and passes on to the younger generations, because the holly tree in the square is directly connected to life and the historical path in the village.

The president of the Brotherhood Vassilis Maggioros points out to APE-MBE that the square with the imposing holly tree has always been a point of reference in the area, it is a landmark. In earlier decades, the social life of the village was focused there and the community council made decisions.

sklivani

The “sacred” tree of the Sklivanites has a history of about 300 years. It was the only tree that thrived, between paths through which flocks passed. All generations remember it. Over time, opposite the holly tree, a School was built and a cafe operated. Today, it is a lovely cobbled square, with the holly tree dominating the centre.