Cultural Association of Sarti “Afisia”
Preserving the history, traditions, and memory of our community
The Sarti Cultural Association "Afisia" was founded in 1984 by the descendants of the refugees from Afisia. Its mission is to preserve the historical memory, cultural heritage, and traditions that their ancestors brought with them to their new homeland.
Sarti—also known as New Afisia—was reborn after the arrival of the refugees and is one of the twenty-seven refugee settlements established in Chalkidiki following the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
According to the Association's Constitution, its principal objective is:
"To preserve, collect, and promote the historical and folklore heritage, traditions, customs, and cultural identity of our Asia Minor ancestry through cultural events, the creation of a library, exhibitions, and other cultural activities."
Today, the Association has approximately 300 members and continues to play a leading role in the cultural life of Sarti.
Department of Traditional Dances
The Traditional Dance Department consists of 3-4 dance groups with more than 90 dancers of all ages.
Its members learn traditional dances from almost every region of Greece, with particular emphasis on the dances of Asia Minor and the ancestral homelands.
The department also maintains an extensive collection of traditional costumes, which continues to grow, and proudly represents the Association by participating in festivals and cultural events throughout Greece.
Folklore Department
The Folklore Department is the research heart of the Association.
It collects, studies, and documents hundreds of photographs, historical documents, books, and artefacts, many of which are exhibited in the Sarti Historical & Folklore Museum.
Through ongoing research and oral history interviews, it also records local traditions, customs, songs, and community history, ensuring that this cultural heritage is preserved and shared with future generations.
Events
In addition to participating in cultural events organised throughout Greece, the Association hosts dance groups and cultural organisations from many parts of the country, fostering lasting friendships and cooperation.
Each year it organises a variety of cultural events, including:
- Sarti Anniversary Celebrations (December)
- The Feast of Saint George
Assumption Festival Cultural Events (13–15 August) - The Gathering of Cultural Associations, held annually on the second Saturday of September.
Our Mission
Today, more than ever, we believe it is our responsibility to safeguard the traditions, history, and cultural heritage of our community.
It is the least we can do to honour our ancestors, who entrusted us with this legacy, and our responsibility to pass it on to future generations.
We also hope that there will always be people in Sarti who care deeply about their homeland and are willing to contribute to its cultural and social development.
For Administrative Council
Petsavas A. Nikolaos