The memory of Lorenzo Mavilis, the Corfiot poet and politician, a nobleman who sacrificed his life for the freedom of Ioannina and his homeland, was honored by representatives of local authorities, organizations, and citizens from Ioannina and Corfu.
Annual Commemoration at Vasiliki and Driskos Hill
The established annual event took place in Vasiliki and on the historic Driskos Hill, where participants paid tribute to his work and his contribution to the history and culture of the region. In November 1912, during the first period of the siege of Ioannina for its liberation, Mavilis, at the age of 62, led the Corps of Red-Shirt Garibaldians in a militarily unequal battle, as the Greek Army was then preparing its general offensive.
Mavilis, although previously wounded, returned to the front until two bullets struck him in the head, and he breathed his last. Shortly before he died, he told his comrades that he had never imagined that he would have the great honor of dying for Greece. Surprisingly, only a wreath-laying ceremony took place at Driskos Hill, at the monument erected for the sacrifice of Mavilis and his comrades. The local Church was conspicuously absent, and consequently, no memorial service was held for the first time on record.
Central Event at Vasiliki Cultural Center
The central event followed at the Vasiliki Cultural Center, where the main speech was delivered by Associate Professor of European History, Lampros Flitouris. Greetings were given by Ioannina MPs Ioannis Tsimaris and Meropi Tzoufi, Ioannina Mayor Thomas Begas, and the Deputy Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, Mr. Vradys.
