20-03-2015 13:11

Mr Nikos Mantzareas gave an interesting interview to Touristorama, aiming to the fact that the area of Psyrri is the only one in the historic center of Athens that retains the characteristics of a traditional neighborhood. Mr Mantzareas is the owner of the Party Bar, but also the paymaster of the Association of Shopkeepers in Psirri “Old Town”, which celebrates 17 years of continuous presence.


Mr Mantzareas, I guess there are lots of people who are not aware of the Association. So please tell us a few things about the “Old Town”. What is it?
 
The Association of Shopkeepers of Psiri was founded in 1998, under the name, “The Old Town” and includes only health stores. In the ‘90s there was a significant rise as far as the opening of sanitary stores is concerned, from dairies to clubs. The Association, acting as an umbrella, joined all these shops. Even in the early years, it would count up to 90 members.
Indeed, during periods of prosperity, the Association would use the money earned by the subscriptions of its members so as to organize annual and on consistent basis two or three musical events that would take place at the squares of the region. These events were shown on public television, and this would work as an attraction that definitely led to the region become more and more popular. After that, a period of decadence came and these events stopped. But from 2013 onwards, the gradual rise of Psiri and the opening of new stores led the Association to re-organize such parties and cultural events.
 
Which is the Foundation’s goal and what actions are you focusing on?
Our goal is to be able to claim various things from the country’s services, meaning the municipality, health services and urban planning. As individuals, little things can be done, but as an Association, we can achieve anything. Our actions are focused on that. For instance, we try to solve issues that have to do with the land definition of the tables and the chairs, which is very important for our businesses, so that we can be profitable in summer season.
 
Do you collaborate with other associations of the region and how do you think of that?
 
We work with the local residents’ association “Panathenaia” and I can say our cooperation is really good. In fact, together, we organize various music events to attract visitors who will come to Psyri and discover the uniqueness of this Athenian neighborhood.
 
Why do you think someone should visit Psyrri region? What’s your opinion about the way the situation is formed this current year?
 
People should come to see that Psiri is the only region in the historic city center that really reminds of older eras and neighborhoods, and this alone makes it extremely beautiful. After a period of decline that began in 2008 and lasted almost six years, now the region is an upward trend. And the Association has reactivated dynamically. We are optimistic, we believe and hope that better days are to come and we are all here to work and fight for the best of this area.

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