In my book, *River: History and Images*, I describe how it came to be The River Bazaar. (Below are some short excerpts.). This Bazaar spurred the development of the River and this growth led to the construction of the magnificent Church of the from Larissa. But it also boosted the economy throughout Kythira. It helped farmers and merchants. Even merchants in the southern part of Kythira rushed to rent shops, just to operate them one day a week. That’s how profitable it was. The energetic and enlightened Bishop of Kythira, Euthymios Kavvathas, recognized these benefits and blessed the Bazaar.
Now that this issue is being revisited, we must identify the conditions that gave rise to it and allowed it to endure. We must look forward to its continuation under similar conditions. That is, all Kythirian producers must continue to sell their products directly, without middlemen. And when we say “all”… we mean it. Everything produced by our land, as well as products that require processing—and, of course, those made by hand, such as folk art, household items, and tools. Everything, without exception. Issues that arise in societies—especially large ones, such as that of Pazar—are resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.. Those who consider themselves all-knowing and act unilaterally—unfortunately, even if their intentions are good—do not benefit the community. It is also advisable to study and listen to the community.
«The goods that arrived in Potamos were unique to the island, so people from other villages would flock there to shop. Whether on foot or by donkey, the journey was not easy, because it took an entire day, and the daily struggle to make ends meet did not allow for such a luxury. Sundays, however, were freer back then. So every Sunday, before dawn, the villagers would set out from their homes and make their way uphill to Potamos to buy the few essentials they lacked. Soon, however, they realized that it was easier—and more profitable—to sell the surplus from their meager harvest where large crowds gathered. On the way back, then, they walked, because the donkeys were loaded with the produce of the Tsirigotiki land, but they returned to their little cottages on horseback and unburdened, because they had sold everything they had watered with their sweat and watched grow.
The homeless villagers, with their local produce, were warmly welcomed by the square and the surrounding shops selling imported goods. Harmonious coexistence. Without competition or upheaval, the square nurtured the Sunday market of Potamos, which spurred economic growth for both the merchants and the region and offered a breath of fresh air to the poor farmers. At the same time, the square, a place for socializing and escaping the daily grind, helped preserve the seventh day of the week—despite the toil and the journey—as a special day of «rest.» And all this took place under the benevolent gaze of Our Lady, who took pride in having been the first to choose and settle in this place. The people of Potamos owed her their thanks and gratitude.» (The photo shows one of the oldest images of Potamos Square, still unpaved, with the “Pantokrator” statue in the background. The large crowd attests to a festive day.)
By Kosmas Megalokonomos
