The Sarakatsani of Εpirus

The Sarakatsani are stockbreeders, shepherds of pure Greek origin. A debate occurs among the experts concerning the etymology of their name, their origin as well as the character of their movements. In this paper, the character of these circuits is elucidated and defined as nomadism. It also focuses particularly on their way of life, their daily activities that associate mainly with the stockbreeding, meaning the number and the species of their animals, the movements that were followed during the year as well as their household. Information was gathered regarding their architecture, the way they built their huts, schools and shipholds that is quite significant and interesting. Finally the traditional dresses and embroideries are described as they lively represent the concepts and values as they formed during the centuries.