by Olesya Ilinskaya, Moscow, Russian Federation
EERco Volunteer, MACs AUTUMN Pr., EVS e+ | Alexandreia, GR
Autumn. It is the most beautiful season, especially in Greece. Olives, pomegranates, flowers are everywhere. The warm and calm weather allows outdoor activities. So, isn’t it the most suitable time for the festivals?
From 22nd till 30th of September we were included in organization of festivals of inclusive culture in different cities, such as Thessaloniki, Athens, Preveza.
Festival in Thessaloniki was dedicated to people with disabilities. They danced, sang, played musical instruments together. It was so inspiring, imaging the boy with autism disease singing as well as you will not even understand that he has a disease, while others accompanied him with different music instruments. Traditional Greek dances were also folded great by people with special needs.
Festival in Athens was about sport activities. There were a Taekwondo show and competition between people with special needs in some game with a ball. Athens is a big city and a lot of people just passed by, but I am sure that they had an excuse, may be work or some appointment, because these kind of event can not leave indifferent.
Festival in Preveza was the longest one. During three days we met, communicate with and studied from deaf people. We had different kinds of small trips together to sightseeing, eat lunch together and even visited the municipality of Preveza. At the end it was a big concert with dances and Taekwondo show and also deaf people organized small event about communication between them.