PRESS RELEASE
“Traces of Theraic Folklore” Exhibition Opens with Great Success at the “D. Nomikos” Tomato Industrial Museum
The opening of the temporary exhibition “Traces of Theraic folklore ” took place with great success and warm public reception on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the “D. Nomikos” Tomato Industrial Museum in Santorini.
The exhibition, a collaborative effort between the museum, the Emm. A. Lignos Folklore Museum of Santorini, and private collectors, sheds light on professions, customs, and individuals that have left an indelible mark on Thiran society through objects, testimonies, sounds, and images.
The event was honored by the presence of a large audience and distinguished guests, including Cyclades MP Mr. Markos Kafouros, the Deputy Mayor of Thira Giorgos Varvarigos, the deputy Regional Governor of Health of Cyclades, Mr Charalampos Darzentas, the President of the Thira Municipal Council Mrs Georgia Nomikou the acclaimed painter Mr. Christoforos Asimis—also Chair of the Thira Municipality’s Cultural Committee—and the Nomikos family.
During the opening ceremony, special recognition was given to Mr. Manolis Lignos, publisher and editor of Thiraika Nea and founder of the Folklore Museum of Santorini, for his invaluable contributions to preserving and promoting the island’s cultural heritage.
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The event was honored by the presence of a large crowd and several distinguished figures, including the Thiran Member of Parliament for the Cyclades, Mr. Markos Kafouros; t; the Deputy Mayor of Thira, Mr. Giorgos Varvarigos; the President of the Thira Municipal Council, Ms. Georgia Nomikou; the acclaimed painter Mr. Christoforos Asimis, serving as President of the Cultural Committee of the Municipality of Thira; and the entire Nomikos family.
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A highlight of the evening was a surprise tribute: musicians and dancers in traditional costumes from various local cultural associations appeared and performed Santorinian songs and dances in honor of Manolis Lignos, the island’s guardian of tradition—creating a vibrant bridge between past and present.
Participating musicians included:
- Argyris Arvanitis (violin)
- Nikos Baikas (violin)
- Nikos Vassalos (laouto)
Participating dance groups, under the direction of dance instructor Gianna Mavrommati, included:
- Cultural and Athletic Association of Akrotiri
- Association of Vothonas “Panagia h Sergaina”
- Cultural and Beautification Association of Fira “Agios Efstathios”
- Cultural and Environmental Association of Kamari “Pagratios”
- Cultural and Spiritual Association of Karterados “Panagia i Glykogalousa”
At the same time, members of the Cultural Association of Emporio presented traditional local costumes under the guidance of dance instructor Artemia Denaxa.
In a personal statement, Vani Vallianou Nomikou, exhibition curator, warmly thanked the public for their strong presence, stating:
“Your overwhelming response exceeded all expectations and is the strongest evidence that our traditions continue to move and inspire. Your presence was the most beautiful reward for our efforts. We owe special gratitude to Manolis Lignos for his invaluable contribution to this project, which honors our collective memory and cultural identity.”
The exhibition will remain open with free admission until August 15, 2025, inviting both residents and visitors to discover the traces of Thiran tradition through a modern museum experience.
Exhibition Information
The temporary exhibition “Traces of Thiran Folklore” is held as part of the “Year of Authenticity Promotion & Support”, organized by the “D. Nomikos” Tomato Industrial Museum and the Santorini Arts Factory, under the auspices of the Municipality of Thira.
The exhibition is made possible in collaboration with the Emm. A. Lignos Folklore Museum of Santorini and the following private collectors:
- Antonis Valvis
- Paraskevas and Georgios Karras
- Vangelis Chalaris
- Alexandros Fytros
- Stergios Massas
A special artistic feature of the exhibition is a unique painting by Christoforos Asimis, dedicated to the industrial history of Santorini.
📅 Duration: June 15 – August 15, 2025
📍 Location: “D. Nomikos” Tomato Industrial Museum – Vlychada, Santorini
🕑 Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
🎫 Admission: Free
For more information, please visit our website:
🌐 www.tomatomuseum.gr