Tradition
In the mountainous part of the region, the residents are mainly involved in livestock and, the production of dairy products. Another activity is horticulture, and the marble quarrying. In lowland areas agriculture employs a large proportion of the locals, mainly by olive cultivation and production of highest quality olive oil. Although the Management Agency extends to the coastal area, fishing is not a primary occupation, while industrial production is limited to the food industry.
In recent years, tourism shows a significant increase and locals have already started to create the appropriate infrastructure for hosting visitors with new and modern hotels near Leonidio and Astros. Great interest is shown in mountain tourism, which is why residents, but also foreign investors are trying to increase the forest recreation, for example, walking and climbing, etc.
To meet this demand, local authorities and local communities have as their objective the establishment of specific routes - paths, open-air restaurant sites, points of view, information centers and hostels.
Local Celebrations
The rich tradition of Parnonas is often demonstrated in local celebrations. Religious festivities, historical, cultural, even celebrations devoted to local products are organized every year in many villages of Parnonas.
In Leonidio, Easter is celebrated with great pomp. But the most festive season is during the summer. In each village a feast is organized. In Agios Petros, Osios Neilos is celebrated (May 7) and the Virgin Mary in Malevi monastery (August 23). Remarkables are the festivities in Kastanitsa, of the Transfiguration of Christ (August 6) and the Virgin Mary (August 15) and the festivities of Kastri of Agia Paraskevi (July 26) and Agios Panteleimon (July 27). In the monastery of Elona, Virgin Mary is celebrated (15 and 23 August) and in Geraki the feast of Agios Georgios is held inside the castle. In Perdikovrysi a festival is organized at August 15th and in Dragouni a two-day festival on September 7 and 8 (Virgin Mary).
From the historic celebrations of particular importance is the anniversary of the Second National Assembly, every 1st Friday after Easter, in Astros, and the representation of the heroic battle of Vervaina, approximately every five years or more, in Vervaina.
From the local products, eggplant, cherry and chestnut have the honor each year. In Kastanitsa is very unique the «Chestnut Festival», organized late October and includes three days of events with roast chestnuts, boiled, fresh and cooked. Similarly, the «Cherry Festival» is held, each May, in Platanos. Every summer (late August), in Plaka of Leonidio has been established «The Feast of eggplant».
Finally, we should not forget the cultural events of Paralio Astros, which take place each July and August at the outdoor theater of the harbor, those of Kastanitsa, from 1 to 15 of August, the «Festival of the Moon, Water and Love» at the last full moon of the summer in Platanos, and the «Antamoma», a new summer festival which aims to commingling of Lakones and Arkadians of mount Parnon in the shelter of Parnonas.
Easter in Leonidio
The evening of Great Thursday a representation of the Crucifiction of Christ is held. In the morning of Good Friday, the priest carries the body of Christ from the cross to the epitaph. The Epitaphs of all parishes, elaborately decorated only with violets and ai-giorgi, are gathered in the evening at the Heroon, where is performed a liturgy accompanied by explosions, bangers and flares.
In the evening of the Resurrection, in each parish the «light» is ignited, on top of which placed a red flag, which symbolizes Judas, and dozens of homemade colorful balloons are risen in the sky. The competition between parishes for the biggest and most numerous balloons, is always accompanied by bangers, fireworks and flares.
At Noon Easter Sunday locals offer to visitors sweets, red eggs and baked lamb, while the afternoon is celebrated in the square the Sequence of Love, where the Gospel is read in first quarrel.
