By the term customs, we refer to the stable and consistent habits of a people, which are usually closely connected to their folk traditions, religious beliefs, and national roots. They reflect the past, shape the present, and lay the foundations for the future. They represent a society’s culture and help form its historical and national identity.

From Sunday family meals to festive celebrations, traditions offer much more than pleasant moments—they play a crucial role in a child’s development. Through these consistent practices, children develop a sense of security, belonging, and identity—elements that shape their character and who they will become in the future. From weekend pancake mornings to holiday gatherings, these customs lay the groundwork for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. As children grow, traditions provide stability, a sense of purpose, and emotional grounding.

Family traditions are unique practices that a family repeats regularly together. They can range from simple daily routines to more elaborate annual rituals. Whether it is a bedtime story, baking cookies, or an annual trip, these activities create opportunities for bonding, passing down values, and building lasting memories. They contribute to several key aspects of child development:

• Foundation of emotional security: Traditions offer stability in an ever-changing world. Knowing, for example, that Friday is movie night or that birthdays are always celebrated in a special way creates a sense of predictability and safety, which is essential for emotional development.
• Formation of identity: Traditions are often linked to cultural, religious, or personal values and help children understand their origins and what their family represents. This fosters a strong sense of identity, especially important during times of change.
• Strengthening family bonds: Through shared activities, parents and children connect meaningfully, cultivating trust, love, and mutual understanding.
• Boosting self-esteem: When children actively participate in traditions, they feel valued. Taking part in activities such as cooking or decorating enhances their confidence.
• Development of coping skills: Traditions serve as a source of comfort during difficult times, helping children understand that even when things change, some constants remain.
• Social and cognitive benefits: Family traditions help children develop social skills such as cooperation, kindness, and communication. At the same time, activities like storytelling, games, and crafts enhance creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Let us consider, for example, the tradition of the Easter candle.

The Easter candle is one of the most beloved and meaningful traditions of Greek culture, especially for children. It symbolizes Light and the Resurrection. According to Christian tradition, the Resurrection of Christ brings light to the world and conveys a message of hope—the triumph of life over death. The candle, as a source of light, represents this idea of life, hope, and spiritual purity.

The offering of the candle by a godparent to a child is not merely a gift, but a spiritual act that connects the child to Christian tradition and the life of the Church. The candle thus becomes a symbol of Christ’s light, illuminating the child’s life and guiding their spiritual journey.

Conclusion

Tradition, customs, and cultural practices are the chain that connects generations. Through tradition, there is no divide. Our generation is connected to those before us, as well as to those yet to come. At the same time, tradition is a prerequisite for the existence of culture, since no generation creates its culture from nothing.

Especially today, when industrialized culture has taken on a universal character that often eliminates the process of selection, it is essential that participation in global culture be combined with the stability that tradition provides. We need traditional knowledge to preserve our historical identity, without rejecting or disregarding the identities of other nations. Every nation has something valuable to contribute to culture.

Customs and traditions, therefore, act as channels of communication and expression, through which understanding is achieved and social relationships are strengthened. Their value is immeasurable, as they are rooted in authenticity. For all these reasons, it is essential that we pass them on to our children.

ΠΗΓΕΣ: the mamagers, 

Μιχαλίτσης Τάκης (μαθητής Β΄ Γυμνασίου), 

Baby Cloud,      

VERIORAMA

3rd Cycle: “Your First Novel, Step by Step”

The journey of creative writing continues this December at 41 Street Café and into the new year. Through exercises, storytelling, and self-reflection, participants learn to express themselves, explore their feelings, and discover their inner world through words.

With acclaimed writers:
Elpida Minadaki – author & actress
Aggeliki Angelopoulou – author & educator

Two inspiring mentors invite you to an experiential workshop where creative writing becomes a path to connect with yourself.

What Will We Do?

• Transform emotions into words

• Use self-reflection & writing as a mirror

• Unlock inner voices through creative exercises

• Create stories inspired by personal experiences

• Enjoy a safe space for expression and creation

Who Is This Cycle For?

• Anyone who loves writing, play, words, and stories

• Beginners and more experienced writers looking to explore new creative paths

• Adults of all ages who want to express themselves, experiment, and connect with their imagination and voice

No prior experience is required—just curiosity and inspiration!

Limited spots available

At the end of all three cycles, a collective publication will feature selected texts from participants, and a Certificate of Completion will be awarded.

Come write the most beautiful story: your own!

When & Where

Location: 41 Street Café, 41 Andrea Lentaki, Ymittos
Dates: Saturdays, Mar 7, 14, 28 & Apr 4
Time: 16:00 – 17:30
Duration: 4 sessions (80 min each)
Participation Fee: €60

Reservations: +30 6980041009

A new and meaningful collaboration has begun at the Iosephogleio Orphanage, with teenagers aged 14–16 participating in a creative writing workshop led by Elpida Minadaki and Aggeliki Angelopoulou from the Spithes creative team.

Through this program, participants have the opportunity to develop their expressive skills, give voice to their thoughts and emotions, and discover the power of storytelling as a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and creative communication.

Using word games, experiential exercises, and collaborative writing, the workshop nurtures imagination, self-confidence, and the joy of creation—opening new paths for personal growth and meaningful connection with others.

2nd Cycle: “Write – Play – Create” – in Greek!

The journey of creative writing continues this December at 41 Street Café. Through exercises, stories, and self-reflection, we learn to express ourselves, explore our feelings, and discover our inner world through words.

With acclaimed writers:
Elpida Minadaki – author & actress
Aggeliki Angelopoulou – author & educator

Two inspiring mentors invite you to an experiential workshop where creative writing becomes a path to connect with yourself.

What Will We Do?

• Transform emotions into words

• Use self-reflection & writing as a mirror

• Unlock inner voices through creative exercises

• Create stories inspired by personal experiences

• Enjoy a safe space for expression and creation

Who Is This Cycle For?

• Anyone who loves writing, play, words, and stories

• Beginners or experienced writers looking to explore new creative paths

• Adults of all ages who want to express themselves, experiment, and connect with their imagination and voice

No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and inspiration!

Limited spots available

At the end of all three cycles, a collective publication will feature selected texts from participants, and a Certificate of Completion will be awarded.

Come write the most beautiful story: your own!

When & Where

Location: 41 Street Café, 41 Andrea Lentaki, Ymittos
Dates: Saturdays, Dec 6 – 13 – 20 & Jan 10
Time: 16:00 – 17:20
Duration: 4 sessions (80 min each)
Participation Fee: €60

Reservations: +30 6980041009

The Spithes creative team invites children to take part in an innovative educational program that combines imagination, play, creative writing, and technology. Through five interactive sessions, children create their own hero and bring them to life using the magic of stop motion animation and Augmented Reality (AR).

A fantastic journey of expression, learning, and technology—for children who love to create!

Part A: Creative Writing & Character Creation

(3 Sessions)

Session 1:
Children discover the power of words and imagination through creative writing games and theatrical activities.

Session 2:
They develop the first ideas for their story and hero, creating their own unique character. We explore and discuss the scanned photograph or drawing submitted by the children.

Session 3:
Further analysis and discussion of the scanned photograph or drawing. Children work on their hero’s short story and complete the writing process, exploring basic techniques of character development and storytelling.

Part B: Animation with Stop Motion & Augmented Reality

(2 Sessions)

Session 4:
Children take their first steps into stop motion animation. They create their hero in any way they like (clay, drawing, objects, or toys) and make their character speak and introduce themselves by creating a short animated film.

Session 5:
Children are introduced to Augmented Reality (AR) filters. With the help of AR, they become their own heroes by digitally “wearing” the mask they have designed. They create short videos in which their hero tells a brief story.

When?

March 7, 14, 21, 28 & April 4, 2026
Saturday | 17:00–18:30

Participation Fee

• Total cost: €140

• THF Friends rate: €126

Book your ticket here

Maximum number of participants: 15

Read more here

More than 2,000 middle and high school students from across Crete—representing both mainstream and special education schools—braved the weather conditions and made a strong presence. On stage, they presented imaginative and thought-provoking creations: theatrical performances, videos, monologues, songs, musical acts, and much more.

Spithes had the joy and honor of actively participating, implementing experiential activities with the children and sending a powerful message about the importance of Children’s Rights and equality in practice.

Warm thanks go to the Deputy Regional Governor for Culture and Equality, Ms. Georgia Milaki, as well as the Special Advisor, Ms. Maria Vozikaki, for their meaningful contribution. We also thank everyone who worked to make this festival a reality.

Equality4 Crete once again proved that when regional authorities, education, and society work together, initiatives are born that inspire, unite, and create space for children’s voices to be heard.

Through creative workshops and an abundance of positive energy, we shared our vision with visitors of all ages—informing, connecting, and inspiring new people to get actively involved.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful team members: Louiza Katsigianni, who tirelessly offered unique creative crafts for children, as well as Angela Angelopoulou, Chrysa Fili, Manos Fragakis, and Adamantia Katsarou from our new volunteer network. Each one of them sparked their own “Spithes” and truly left a lasting impression!

Free Open Workshop at 92Art for Children aged 8–12

Creative Writing & Story Dramatization

Would you like your children to write their own story and see it come to life right before their eyes?
92Art in Dafni opens its doors for a free open workshop filled with imagination, theatrical play, and creative expression!

Saturday, December 13
10:30 – 11:30
Instructor: Elpida Minadaki, children’s book author
Location: 92Art (Dafni)

A Lesson of… Magical Imagination!

In this workshop, children aged 8–12 dive into a world where creative writing becomes play and storytelling transforms into a short theatrical performance. In a safe, joyful, and playful environment, children will:

• write a short story together as a team,

• bring characters to life through theatrical play,

• use inspirational objects—photos, small “treasures,” and other creative prompts,

• explore storytelling, imagination, and improvisation.

The workshop is designed to strengthen self-confidence, literary expression, and teamwork.

What Will Children Do in the Free Workshop?

• Create a story from scratch

• Play imagination and storytelling games

• Dramatize their ideas through short theatrical sketches

• Learn how a character is born and how a story “comes alive”

• Feel, for a while, like young writers and actors!

What the Full Program Includes

The complete program that follows the open workshop offers a comprehensive creative experience:

• Practice in creative writing

• Story dramatization

• Publication of the children’s story in a small booklet

• Two outdoor inspiration trips

• Theatrical play, collaboration, and imagination development

• Improvement of speech and communication skills

• Certificate of participation

• A short performance based on the children’s stories

With the guidance of Elpida Minadaki, children learn how to shape their own world through words—and confidently bring it to life on stage with joy and creativity.

Why Attend the Open Workshop?

Because every child has a story waiting to be told.
And at 92Art, that story finds its voice, rhythm… and performance!

CONTACT INFORMATION — 92 ART

Artemonos 77, Dafni, 17237
Next to Agios Ioannis Metro Station
215 515 1944
693 600 9055
info@92artschool.com

Acting Studio by 92 Art – Dramatic Arts Studies

Sometimes we think our small actions don’t matter. Yet, it’s often these tiny gestures that can quietly — but profoundly — change the world around us.

In Crete, a group of students decided to take action. They formed a beach-cleaning team, collecting litter daily and raising awareness among locals about the importance of protecting the environment. It’s not just an environmental initiative — it’s a lesson in responsibility and collective contribution.

Meanwhile, in Thessaloniki, students planted 500 trees in schoolyards across the city. With their hands full of soil and smiles, they showed everyone that plants are not just decorations of nature, but foundations of life and sustainable growth.

But change doesn’t stop there. Small acts of kindness — like collecting food or books for children in need — remind us of the incredible power of solidarity. Each gesture, no matter how small, can inspire others to follow, creating chains of positive action that transform entire communities.

Children lead the way: with teamwork, persistence, and love for the world around us, we can all make life a little brighter. You don’t have to be big to change the world; just one small spark can light up many lives.

The “Spires” of Creativity

At Spithes (“Sparks”), we keep the flame of creativity alive — encouraging children to express themselves freely, to imagine, to create, and to inspire.
Through programs in art, environmental education, and collaboration, we’re building a world filled with imagination, creativity, and hope.

Check out what we do and spark your kids’ imagination!

Environmental Education Program with Thalassa Foundation & Spithes

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Summer is a point of reference for everyone. Especially for children and teenagers who eagerly await it! However, it is also the season that gives them the opportunity, through the many activities they can do, to learn something new that excites them and will become their new occupation.

At Spithes, we work with children in workshops that combine imagination, art, expression, and collaboration. We don’t see creative writing as an “exercise” but as a journey of personal development, where each child discovers their voice and gains self-confidence.

Why is Creative Writing Powerful?

When a child writes, they activate creative thinking, imagination, and emotional intelligence. Through writing, they can express emotions, discover stories, and create imaginary worlds that help them better understand the real world around them.

This enhances self-expression and personal development and gives children space to feel that their voice has value.

Cooperation, Teamwork, and Respect

In creative writing workshops, we don’t write alone. We learn to cooperate, listen, and work in teams.

Collaboration and teamwork are core values that we teach. Through group stories, role-playing, and collective storytelling, children learn to respect different points of view and accept others.

Inclusion is at the heart of our activities: every child has a place and a voice, regardless of their abilities, needs, or difficulties.

Imagination as a Tool for Problem Solving

Through stories, children learn to solve problems. Critical thinking is activated when a child has to decide:

How will my hero escape the dragon?
What can his friend do to help him?

Communication and problem solving become experiential through imagination and active participation in the workshop.

Art and Action Through Creative Writing

Creative writing in our workshops is combined with theatrical play, experiential exercises, action, and role-playing.

Freedom of movement and participation in theatrical dramatization help children bring their stories to life. Their words are not just written on paper—they become action, they become movement, they become life.

Through art and action, children cultivate self-confidence, creativity, and develop their imagination in ways that books or traditional classrooms often do not offer.

We learn through experience

Experiential learning, learning through play, and active participation are at the heart of our activities. Creative writing is not a theoretical process. It is an experience. It is a personal journey.

And that is what makes the difference: children do not “acquire” knowledge — they live it. They learn to take initiative, to explore, to experiment.

Inclusion is a core value

Diversity, acceptance, and inclusion are values that we uphold in everything we do. No child is left behind. Our actions support children with learning difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD, or simply those children who need an encouraging voice to tell them, “You can do it!”

Because ultimately, what gives children wings is feeling that they belong, that they are accepted, that they can create and express themselves freely.

That’s why, at Spithes, we keep the flame of creativity burning and build a world with them made of imagination, art, and free expression.

Check out what we do and spark your kids’ imagination!