By Vasilis Orfanos, Year 12
The Kermesse is a fulfilling social event held at La Grande Boissiere every year which celebrates culture, community and identity through gastronomic delights and amusing outdoor activities. Consisting of numerous stands with individuals from hundreds of different countries, the Kermesse is a gathering that allows students to erase their feeling of being in a strictly academic environment and allows them to stroll the marvellous atmosphere in search for new flavourful delights.
Today with us, we have multiple participants of Kermesse who have helped to maintain and enrich the sentimental feeling of the event yearly, dedicating their time to make sure stands are kept to a high standard. Taking on and helping in a project requires immense coordination and dedication, as well as cooking skills which are sometimes learned only in the participants’ home countries.
Interviewing the Greek Stand:
Do you believe the Kermesse is a ‘must have’ part of Ecolint culture?
Hey! Yes absolutely! Every year I look forward to this event as its a living proof of the multinationality of this school.
In the Greek stand, what do you believe stands out the most?
Despite the food being very tasty, my favourite aspect of our stand is the hospitality, which is the symbol of Greek culture. If I had to say one food, that would be the Moussaka, a dish that contains eggplant, potato and meat.
How long have you been doing Kermesse for and what are the reasons you look forward to it every year?
I’ve been part of the Greek stand in the Kermesse for around eight years, except for the years of Covid. Kermesse is a nice opportunity to meet my children’s friends, their parents and their teachers. It becomes emotional seeing the children grow more every year!
Are there any new additions or changes you’re planning for this year’s Kermesse at the Greek stand?
Great question! Seeing this year’s results will be the deciding factor of whether we’ll make any additions next year. Our primary goal is to have more moussaka and pastitsio dishes instead of desserts, as these were the ones that sold out quickly and had the most demand.
Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from previous Kermesse events at the Greek stand?
One experience that is slowly becoming a memory are the photos of every year’s Kermesse. We all line up and take a picture that slowly shows the evolution and change of the stand. Being busy people, it’s also nice to see everyone on this Saturday, full of joy and delight.
Lastly, what message would you like to share with those who haven’t experienced Kermesse yet or are considering attending for the first time?
Kermesse is certainly a no-miss event because of the multinational fiesta it creates and the pride it brings to us, the expatriates, is second to none. It’s an unforgettable experience that unites us and not only offers food; it gives children of all ages the chance to participate and feel more involved in our community.
Thank you for the interview with Team Greece!
In essence, Kermesse is a celebration of identity, a tribute to the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the fabric of Ecolint. It is a reminder that, despite our differences, we are bound together by a shared humanity. The profits at the Kermesse all go to helping our school build greater infrastructure for our students and serves as a means to increase school sociocultural life.
