SOCIETY

Associations and Agencies

Cultural and Educational Association of Astypalaia

The Cultural Educational Association of Astypalaia (P.M.S.A.), was founded in 1978.

The objectives of the association, according to its operating statutes, are:

• The strengthening of the feeling of common origin, the strengthening of friendship and trust between the members of the Association and in general between all Astypalites.
• The development among all members, the spirit of solidarity.
• The study and promotion of the issues concerning the social, spiritual and cultural development of the members.
• The entertainment of the members of the Association.
• The moral support and material support of every Astypalite in need.
• The support according to the resources of the Association and the support of every Astypalitic project.

Today the main activities of P.M.S.A. is:

The dance classes

In the area of P.M.S.A. traditional dance classes are held for children aged 6-18 by amateur teachers. The six dance groups that operate present performances inside and outside the island of Astypalaia. Periodically and whenever financially possible, the adult section, which is made up of teachers, gives performances, wearing the traditional Astypalitic costumes, throughout Greece.

The wardrobe of traditional costumes

In a small space, in the PMSA building, a cloakroom of traditional costumes has been set up. These costumes (six in number) belong to the club and began to be manufactured in the 1990s. The designs of these costumes were based on the traditional Astypalite women's clothing of the previous century. This garment is one of the most important examples of the wider Greek area.

Cinema

A movie theater has been operating since 2009 on the premises of PMSA. These are two screenings that take place every week, one of which is for children aged 5-12 and the other for older children.

The Internet Radio Station

As part of our effort to reduce the feeling of isolation created by the "barren line", since the beginning of 2011, an online radio station was created by P.M.S.A. All citizens of the island have the opportunity to participate in the operation of this radio station. It is of a non-profit nature and has no sponsors or revenue from advertising and its audience is limited to the ability to connect (on line) up to fifty (50) users at the same time. The broadcasts are carried out based on a program posted the previous week on the station's website and at the moment there are a total of 30. The electronic address of our radio station is www.radiomamouni.gr.

The carnival of Astypalaia

Every year the Cultural and Educational Association of Astypalaia, in collaboration with the Municipality of Astypalaia, the primary school of Astypalaia, the high school of Astypalaia and in general with the inhabitants of the island, organizes the ¬¬¬Astypala carnival. Floats and costumes are made, all-day games are organized for the children, a parody of the so-called Astypalitic wedding takes place and the events conclude with the traditional parade and festival in Chora Square.

The pine cones

In the context of the festive events that take place in Astypalaia on the fifteenth of August, the "koukania" are also included. These are sports that take place on the beach of Pera Gialos in Chora Astypalea.

The "bearings"

Organization of a cultural fortnight with musical events, theatrical performances and visual events.

Library

A lending library has been operating at the Cultural Educational Association of Astypalea since 1995. The books are limited in number and content and come mainly from donations from publishing houses.