
In a small coastal town in the Peloponnese, the ancient art of weaving is still alive and practiced with care. This October, women are invited to gather in Tyros, Arcadia, to take part in a retreat that is about much more than textiles. It is a return to roots, a chance to slow down, and an opportunity to weave not only with threads but also with one another.
Hosted by the Council for the Revival of Matriarchal Arts and the family workshop of Tsakonika Ifanta, the retreat opens a space where tradition and personal growth meet. Those attending will learn the techniques of Tsakonian weaving, a craft practiced for centuries and carried through generations of women. More than a technique, Tsakonian weaving is a living legacy handed down from grandmother to mother to daughter. This tradition carries not only the skills of the craft—the feel of the wool, the rhythm of the loom, the forming of a perfect knot—but also something deeper. It is a transfer of identity, connecting each woman to those who came before her. It is an act of empowerment, a quiet recognition of the resilience and strength women have carried through the centuries. The loom becomes a space of belonging, where stories are shared and support is woven into the fabric of the work. This intergenerational exchange offers stability and groundedness that can help withstand the changes and challenges of life. By learning this ancient craft, the women in this retreat won’t just be creating textiles; they will be touching a source of enduring strength, connection, and wisdom—a heritage as resilient as the woven pieces themselves.
Each day, the circle of women will spend hours at the loom, guided by experienced teachers who hold this heritage. One day will be dedicated to exploring plant-based dyeing techniques, opening a window into sustainable ways of working with color. Outside workshop hours, weavers will share meals, exchange stories, and choose excursions in the beautiful landscapes of Arcadia. There will also be time for rest, for walking by the sea, and for quiet personal reflection.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for women who long to learn a traditional art with depth and authenticity and who are also seeking nourishment for themselves. It is for those who value connection—to the land, to history, and to one another. Practical details
Dates: October 18–22, 2025 (arrival evening of October 17)
Location: Tsakonika Ifanta Studio, Tyros, Arcadia, Greece
Duration: 5 days, 5 hours per day Workshop fee: €650 (materials and loom use included)
Accommodation: from €40 per night at Kyparissi Studios (shared or single rooms)
Meals: shared or prepared locally;
transfers from Athens can be arranged
Scholarships: a few are available for women in financial need
For more information or to register, contact via email: councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com.

My name is Marta, I’m Sophie’s mom, and I am a proud member of the Council for the Revival of Matriarchal Arts (CRMA). My journey to Crete was a search for a new chapter in my life, and what I’ve found here has exceeded all my expectations. This island has revealed a wealth of creativity to me and allowed me to discover new talents. Today, I passionately support projects like CRMA that strengthen our community and help traditional arts, like weaving, flourish and enrich our lives for generations to come. My passion for authentic marketing is my way of expressing myself and promoting these valuable initiatives, so they can reach a wider audience and inspire more people.
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