Reaching far back into history, Kythera has always been a cross-road of cultures and the people of the Mediterranean, as the naval ways of West - East pass through the island. Thus, it was of great strategic importance for a kingdom or an empire to control the Kytherian Sea. Aspiring conquerors would bring and establish family on the island, joining the indigenous population. Kythera is a small mixing pot of people. Even today you will find people here with Venetian surnames, or connect the name Kassimatis to its origin from Constantinople. Small, heterogenous settlements from various areas come together to create the “Kytherian” race.
These are the Kytherians; A restless and productive people, the bare land and difficult living conditions on the island motivated many of the inhabitants to migrate. This led to three major migration streams.
The first stream was after the revolution of 1821 when many Greeks migrated to Asia Minor, prospering in trade and culture in parallel to the decline of the Ottoman empire. A large community was established in Smyrna, concentrated mostly in the districts of Kordelio and Koukloutzas. The first Kytherian association outside the island was established here in the mid of the 19th century. Following the Minor Asia disaster of Smyrna, many Greeks (and among them many Kytherians) left. A community was established in Piraeus which even today constitutes a major community of Kytherians. Another Kytherian community was based in Alexandria, Egypt.
The second migration stream started in late 19th century and lasted until shortly before the Second World War. The United States of America and Australia were the main destinations for the new migrants. The third and largest migration stream began after the war and lasted through the mid 1970’s, during which most migrants left for Australia. Today approximately 40.000 Kytherians live in Australia and some thousands reside in the United States of America. Approximately 5.000 to 7.000 live in Athens and Piraeus. During the last year there has been a stream of Kytherians returning to the island. Today, many young people are permanently living in Kythera.
All this directed exchange has helped shape a rich cultural inheritance, giving Kytherians a unique identity and manifesting an incredible pluralism within the people’s mentality. People skilled in communication, eager to travel, full of nostalgia and desires. A perpetual flow of ideas, incentives, traditions and cultures defines their way of life up until today.
Kytherian culture touches roots with elements from Crete, Eptanissos, Mani. The language spoken here, the Kytherian dialect, confirms this. The Venetian influence is equally important. The Orthodox belief is one of the most important elements of the Kytherian culture and participation in religious and cultural celebrations is firmly rooted in the traditions of people. In art, song and dance Kytherians have created their own school and are continuously adding to their rich repertoire.
Kytherians are equipped with a strong sense of community which is shown in the hundreds of associations wherever Kytherians are based. Over this network, Kytherians retain a strong communication and cooperate actively in communities. The educational level is high, the financial status of most is flourishing and the talent for business also shows potential. The island’s inhabitants are mainly active in the agricultural and the touristic sectors.
