Location information

Gerakina

NIGRITA (Small town) SERRES
Gerakina, who is well-known all over Greece, originates from Nigrita and her song is a panhellenic anthem of the Muse. According to tradition, Gerakina lived around 1850-1870 in a house in Nigrita, in the picturesque area called "Tsoukalades". She was extremely beautiful and so a coveted bride to be. Every man was trying to sweep her of her feet. However, "Death" was very jealous of her beauty and came too early to take her with him. So, one early afternoon while the table was set for lunch, Geragina went together with her "pitcher" to bring water from the well. As soon as she threw her "bucket" into the well, she lost her balance and fell in the well, too. According to the song's lyrics, on hearing her screams, "young and old rushed over" and among them a brave man, who didn't hesitate to climb into the well in order to rescue his beloved one. Some time later though, they pulled them both out of the well. The young man was almost dead and Gerakin "dead"
The well of Gerakina, which is still preserved in Nigrita (at the area of "Tsoukalades") is the last witness of this tradition. A few years later, in a coffee house in Nigrita, a poet and singer, made the story of Gerakina into a song. Since then, Gerakina as a song and dance passed over to eternity and didn't take her long to walk over the limits of Nigrita and become famous all over Greece. The Cultural Association of Nigrita, after taking the initiative, has decided to celebrate "Gerakinia" every year during Easter. It is a Festivity in memory of Gerakina. This wonderful celebration, which has become an institution for Nigrita, has given a nice Cultural stigma in the town, attracting lots of visitors every year.