Hundreds of visitors gathered in northern Greece to celebrate the blooming of cherry trees in the wetland of Agras-Vrytta-Nisi, in the regional unit of Pella, as part of spring events inspired by the Japanese tradition of "hanami", meaning the viewing of cherry blossoms.
The initiative, organised by the Pella regional authority near the city of Edessa, aimed to showcase the area's natural landscape and its local food culture. Visitors followed a walking route that started at the chapel of Agios Georgios in Vrytta and led through cherry orchards to the springs of the Edessaio river.
Another event focused on nature and wellbeing, combining hiking with the seasonal blossoms. The route passed through the Agras-Vrytta-Nisi wetland, an area known for its biodiversity, including swans and rare migratory bird species that inhabit the nearby "Lake of Swans".
The celebrations were attended by Takaaki Nemoto, counsellor and deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Japan in Greece, who has also participated in previous editions. Following the walk, Nemoto was honoured by local authorities. The deputy regional governor of Pella presented him with a commemorative plaque and a collectable edition featuring engravings of Alexander the Great, describing Nemoto as a "friend of Pella".
Alongside the nature-focused activities, the events also highlighted the region's agricultural identity, particularly its cherry production. Local chefs prepared traditional recipes and contemporary dishes using cherries, offering visitors the opportunity to sample the produce and its culinary uses.
The programme included music, with a DJ set and songs dedicated to spring, as well as a photography exhibition titled "The Blossoming Cherry Trees of Pella", further emphasising the seasonal character of the celebrations.
by Nikos Avoukatos - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
