This year, the international Cultural Festival Zig Zag Festival, marks five years of exploration into the natural and historical landscapes of the Greek region, through the lens of contemporary art and expression.
From July 28th to August 2nd, Greek artists connect to international artists through the unique cultural and social activities of «Kypseli Tzoumerka / Epirus / Zig Zag Festival 2025» at the village Kypseli, North Epirus.
Contemporary artists from Greece and abroad explore the culture, local customs, traditions and landscape of Kypseli at North Epirus, Greece. Their artwork, visual installations, performances, musical collaborations revisit the rich history and local cultural heritage.
The overall program of Zig Zag Festival 2025 includes one main exhibition and a parallel presentation at two historical buildings in Kypseli, as well as excursions, art events and visits to important landmarks of the area, with the aim of providing a deeper understanding the local architectural heritage.
. Main exhibition and parallel presentation . Photographic excursion to Kypseli and Tzoumerka area
. Performances
. Collaborative Music performances
. Guided tours to local landmarks and monuments
. Guided tours to the unknown features of Kypseli, Tzoumerka
. Curated events and excursions to stores and taverns, and the local gastronomy
Kypseli-Tzoumerka/ Epirus / Zig Zag Festival 2025
Program Directors: Georg Georgakopoulos, Fotini Kapiris, Babis Karalis
Organized by: CHEAPART
The festival is held under the auspices of the Municipality of Central Tzoumerka and the Local Community of Kypseli, Arta Coordinated by: APART
Discovering Kypseli Tzoumerka / Epirus
The village of Kypseli in Tzoumerka, Pindos, is characterized by its pristine nature, diverse landscapes, and significant elevation differences—ranging from the barren alpine terrain to the verdant slopes, and from there to the waterfalls and lakes. This dramatic scenery immerses visitors in a mysterious environment of colors and sounds.
The inaccessible and mountainous region of Tzoumerka has been inhabited since as early as 2000 BC, with the arrival of the ancient Athamanian tribes. Throughout its long and turbulent history, the area has witnessed numerous conquests and devastations, but also moments of greatness, prosperity, and glory. A particularly rich chapter of its history was written in the modern era when Tzoumerka became one of the most significant centers of Greek Kleftouria and the renowned Armatoliki. The rugged and steep mountainous landscape provided an ideal refuge for the Klephts and Armatoli. These mountains fostered a spirit of freedom, leading to the designation of their villages as “free capital villages” during the Ottoman period.
However, the region’s mountainous and inaccessible terrain led to the formation of closed communities with distinct characteristics, while also driving intense internal migration to other regions and large urban centers. This history is vividly reflected in the region’s folk songs, which form a unique musical idiom.
The former name of Kypseli was Chosepsi. The prevailing view is that the name “Chosepsi” originates from the village’s natural setting and is a compound of the words “chaos” and “opsis.” The village is nestled between two hills—Ambelia to the west and Tzouma to the east—with the Goura River flowing at a lower elevation along its edge. The combination of these elements creates a sense of “chaos.”
An alternative interpretation suggests that the name derives from *chosia* (ambush) and *opsis* (view), referring to the village’s location, which made it well-suited for an ambush while offering a vantage point with an unobstructed view to the south.
