Kato Vermio, Imathia

Kato Vermio (Κάτω Βέρμι) Imathia

Kato Vermio or Kato Seli [1] is a mountain village in the municipality of Veria in the Peripheral Unit of Imathia, at an average altitude of 1,400 meters. [2] It is considered one of the highest villages in Greece. It has a permanent population of 75 inhabitants according to the 2011 census.

The village is 24 km from Veria and 17 km from Naoussa. It is built on the western slopes of Mount Vermio. Within the borders of the village is the National Ski Center of Selio.

During the summer and holidays, the population is growing significantly. It overlooks the plain of Imathia, the Thermaic Gulf and the river Aliakmonas. It is also a winter resort thanks to its ski resort and high snowfall in the area. Many of the residents are Vlachs.

History

The village was founded in 1826-1835 by Vlach cattle breeders, who came from the villages of Avdella and Samarina in northern Pindos, and because of the persecution by the Turks they settled in the alpine meadows of Vermio [citation needed].

Seli is a village with rich folklore and tradition. The patron saint and protector of the village and of the people of Selia is Panagia. Every year, the whole of Seli honors Her memory, on the 15th of August, with religious events but also with traditional Vlach festivals. On the afternoon of the eve of the Virgin Mary on August 14, the procession of the icon of the Virgin Mary takes place in the village, in the presence of many officials, authorities and people who go up to Seli especially for the three days of the Virgin Mary. Young girls from the village dress in traditional costumes and accompany the image. On the same night, in the square and in the local "cafes" of the village, festive events (dances, trade fair, etc.) take place with the participation of the people. On the morning of the 15th of August (Day of the Virgin Mary) an official doctrinal service is held at the Holy Temple of the Virgin Mary, which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. After the end of the Divine Liturgy, traditional dances with local traditional bands follow, with the participation of the people. In the days of the feast of the Virgin Mary and specifically on the third day after the 15th of August, the Vlachs used to go on a trip to the clearing of the forest of Doukata (forest with huge beeches, having a spring with gushing water) with parallel roasting of lambs. Today this custom is in its infancy. On the ninth day after the 15th of August (9 days of the Virgin Mary) a service is held in the Holy Temple of Panagia Seliotissa in the area "Prionia".

See also

List of Greek mountain villages

Sources and references

Name changes of settlements in Greece
Hellenic Statistical Authority - Population-Housing Census, March 18, 2001, p. 397, at e-demography.gr

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