In a letter delivered to the mayor of Kythira, Efstratios Charhalakis, on July 31, 2020, the former deputy mayor and president of the Potamos community, Panagiotis Protopsaltis, emphasizes the need for the Bazaar to continue to exist and to be improved as an institution through operating regulations that will give all professionals the opportunity to increase their income.
At the same time, he raises the question of why the issue of abolishing the Bazaar is raised at regular intervals and by whom. Finally, he emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of the Bazaar with the Sunday Divine Liturgy, in which it has always functioned as a natural sequence and has never prevented the faithful from performing their religious duties.
Below is Mr. Protopsaltis' letter:
Proposal for the Bazaar
Mr. Mayor,
As someone who loves my homeland, I cannot imagine Kythira without the Sunday Market in Potamos.
An institution that generations have grown up with, an institution that has been sung about by local musicians, an institution whose memories accompany us throughout our lives, bringing vitality to our region in both winter and summer. The state itself respected this and established it by Presidential Decree in 1927. I cannot understand why and by whom, every five to ten years, the issue of its abolition is raised.
In my opinion, and I think that the majority of my compatriots agree, this institution must continue to exist, since the reason for its creation, the economic and livelihood needs, have not yet disappeared even today. It should continue to bring together all local small producers of agricultural, artisanal, traditional, and souvenir products, as well as handmade crafts. I would like to remind you that in the past, this market sold lime, fruit and vegetables, cheese, fabrics, shoes, candies, biscuits, sundries, iron tools, clay jugs, enamel plates, baskets, wicker baskets, leather, chickens, quails, rabbits, pigeons, pigs, and even souvlaki. Builders, merchants of all kinds closed their deals there. It was truly a trade fair with all shops open, even the bank . Today, the same economic need continues to exist. Many locals Permanent residents, small producers, and artisans from various villages on our island earn a small supplement to their income, and during the summer season, tourists come into contact with the traditions of the old, authentic Tsirigo.
With regard to church attendance, the state, recognizing and respecting the right of every Orthodox Christian to attend church, ensured, through Decision 19271/5-8-1955 of the Prefecture of Attica, Commerce Service, that the bazaar officially begin after the Sunday Divine Liturgy has ended. Furthermore, in document 19848/31-7-1939 of the market authority, the deputy minister specifies the operation of the bazaar as «Sunday and time after the end of the Divine Liturgy»It is also evident from the videos you posted about the bazaar that everyone was going there. first in church and after the Divine Liturgy, the Bazaar began.
It never prevented anyone from attending church; on the contrary, it was an opportunity for participants to come to church. This was the case from the beginning of the 20th century.no century and will continue to do so as long as the institution is protected.
Now it is your turn, Mr. Mayor, to develop, evolve, and improve this institution, to ensure that the Rules of Operation of the Sunday Market in Potamos do not exclude any local small producers or artisans, so that everyone has the opportunity to supplement their income. This is an extremely serious matter, and because I know how sensitively and responsibly you handle such issues, I am optimistic about the outcome.
Thank you for your hospitality,
