In Homer’s Iliad, the Evrytanes are counted among the Greek allies who joined the Trojan War, led by chiefs such as Gouneas, Phoinix, Thoas, Machaon, and Podaleirios, sons of Asclepius. Ancient authors often described them as a strong yet “wild” people, living in inaccessible mountains and speaking a dialect difficult for other Greeks to understand.

During the Classical period, Evrytania was part of Aetolia and later joined the Aetolian League, which became one of the most powerful political entities of Hellenistic Greece. Its strategic location between Aetolia, Thessaly, and Phthiotis made it a contested area. In 429 BC, the Athenian general Demosthenes launched a campaign to secure the region for Athens, only to be defeated by the combined forces of the Evrytanes and the Aetolians — a testament to the martial spirit of the locals and the difficulty of conquering this mountainous land.

Archaeological evidence confirms the area’s continuous habitation. The hill of Paliokastro preserves traces of fortress walls, probably from the Classical or Hellenistic period. At Kaminia, tombs containing bronze grave goods have been unearthed, while ongoing research seeks to determine the exact location of ancient Oichalia, which some scholars place at Petralona or Hochlia. Scattered Mycenaean remains further suggest that the region played a role in the Late Bronze Age world.

During the Hellenistic era, Evrytania remained part of the Aetolian League, which repeatedly fought against the Macedonians and later the Romans. After the League’s defeat in 189 BC, the region came under Roman rule, yet its people retained their identity and mountain way of life.

Today, visitors can trace this long and fascinating history by exploring the remnants of walls at Paliokastro, the hilltop sites that once served as fortifications, and the archaeological finds displayed in local museums. Evrytania is not only a destination of natural beauty but also an open-air museum of history, telling the story of a proud people from the age of myth to the present day.

Archaeological sites for travelers to explore:

• Paliokastro Hill (Agios Andreas) – Panoramic views and remains of fortress walls from the Classical/Hellenistic era.
• Kaminia Site (Agios Andreas area) – Ancient tombs and bronze grave goods.
• Petralona or Hochlia – Proposed locations of ancient Oichalia, linked to the myth of Eurytos.
• West Fragkista – Passes – Defensive remains and strategic mountain lookouts.
• Karpenisi Folklore Museum – Displays finds from different archaeological periods.

They are two cultural events held in July and August in the town of Karpenisi. Music, theater, dance events etc. dominate.

Trade fair

From July 29th to August 3rd, a trade fair is held in the town of Karpenisi, attracting the interest of both local residents and visitors.

Winter Festival

The events start 15 days before Christmas and last 10-15 days. The festivities begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the city's central square, followed by a chain of cultural events until the first days of the new year, organized by the Municipality and other cultural institutions.

Botsaria

Many sports activities are also held in Karpenisi, such as the "Botsaria" which include off-road races. Athletes from Central Greece and other regions participate in the competitions. The games are usually held in August.

Carnival

In addition to the masquerade, the Germanic customs of Karpenisi, the carnival folk performance "Panaratou" and the "Gypsic Wedding" of Clean Monday are celebrated. "Panaratos" is a custom that revives on the last Sunday of Shrovetide and on Clean Monday. This custom has been around since the beginning of the 20th century. It is a theatrical performance with a central axis, a variation of the case of Erophile, but it is also enriched with current issues. Panaretos is the son of the king of Thrace and falls in love with his daughter Vasilia, unfortunately the girl is destined for another husband and so Panaretos is beheaded while the unfortunate girl kills herself.

On Clean Monday, the "Gypsic Wedding" is performed, a satirical comedy starring only male residents of the village, the identification of the actors is such that the nicknames of the show also follow them in their daily lives.

Roumeliotiko Easter

At Easter in Karpenisi there is a procession and meeting of Epitaphs in the central square of the town on Good Friday with the participation of the Philharmonic. On Holy Saturday, the Resurrection of the God-man is celebrated with the throwing of sparklers and the distribution of red eggs by the Municipality to residents and visitors.

On Easter Sunday, the entire city is literally covered in smoke from hundreds of pits in the neighborhoods of the city, in which residents burn vines. The custom is revived every year on Easter Sunday in almost all the houses of Karpenisi. Next to the pits, the spits for roasting the obelia are set up and the feast with plenty of food, drink, dances and songs lasts until late at night. At the same time, the Municipality organizes music and dance events on Easter, to which locals and tourists are invited.

Feasts

• Feast of Agios Nikolaos Karpenisiotis on September 23, which is also a local holiday.
• Feast of Agios Athanasios on May 2.
• Feast of the Prophet Elias on July 20
• Feast of Agia Paraskevi on July 26.
• On the last Sunday of August, a festival is organized in honor of the Evrytan Saints.

Source [quote]
Customs of Karpenisi: traditions unchanged over time
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