Summer memories lost as Greek coastal haven is devastated

The summer idyll of Vilia, a town in West Attica, Greece, has been shattered. Porto Germeno, a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike, is now a scene of devastation, prompting widespread grief and a profound sense of loss.

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I'm leaving for a festival that will be like a funeral for the first time.

Traditionally, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior would be marked by a lively festival in Vilia. Following a procession at the grand church, designed by Ernst Ziller, the town would come alive with traditional music, dancing, and feasting that lasted until dawn. This year, however, the clarinets are silent, and the grills remain unused. The vibrant atmosphere has been replaced by mourning, as residents, vacationers, and former inhabitants grapple with the destruction of a place deeply intertwined with their memories and identities.

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Porto Germeno is my home, my soul.

For those who grew up in the wider region, encompassing Elefsina, Megara, Mandra, Loutraki, and Erythres, this pine-covered territory stretching from Mount Kithairon to the Corinthian coast was a beacon. It illuminated their lives, their memories, and their summers for decades. Now, they must confront the stark reality of its absence. Maria Antoniou, a native of Mandra, described Porto Germeno as her "home, my soul." She recalled cherished memories of her father, her first swims, and family vacations, all tied to this place. The destruction has eroded the "sense of security that every person feels in their home," leaving her with "endless sadness for my son and all the children his age who will not grow up experiencing it as we did."

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You know, when I was younger, when I met someone and wanted to show them who I was, I would take them to Porto Germeno; I think that says it all.