Paros 1926–2026100 Years of Pandrossos!

The iconic and historic Pandrossos Hotel in Parikia, Paros, celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of continuous operation and hospitality. On the evening of Saturday, September 19, guests gathered for a memorable celebration filled with emotion, nostalgia, and reflections on the hotel’s remarkable 100-year history. Rare archival material documenting the early years of Pandrossos was presented during the evening. The celebration continued with a lavish cocktail party, accompanied by sensual live violin music blended with DJ sets, and culminated in spectacular fireworks, as well as the sounds of the traditional tsampouna and touberleki, performed alongside traditional Parian dancers. The event opened with a welcome address by the Mayor of Paros, Mr. Konstantinos Bizas. Greetings were also delivered by Mr. Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary-General of the Greek National Tourism Organization. One of the evening’s most moving moments came with the heartfelt speeches by Mr. Andreas Kontomichalos of Grand Aegean Hotel Management and Kokona Gastrobar, who spoke about the hotel’s revival, and by Mr. Takis Apostolopoulos. Having strong childhood memories of Pandrossos, Mr. Apostolopoulos offered an emotional journey through the families and personalities who, over the decades, played a defining role in the everyday life of the hotel. The event was also honored by the presence of Mr. Carlos Martin Cosme, President of the European Council for Gastronomy and Oenology (CEUCO), who addressed the guests and delivered his own message of congratulations. Following the speeches, honorary awards were presented to the official guests, while a special distinction was bestowed upon the Kontomichalos family, receiving the prestigious honor of CEUCO. Among those attending the celebration were Father Emmanuel of the Church of Zoodochos Pigi former Minister and former Mayor of Paros Mr. Giannis Ragkousis, accompanied by his wife, independent MP for Trikala Ms. Marina Kontotoli; Mr. Nikolaos Papaefstathiou, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection; Mr. Theodoros Koutsogiannopoulos, Regional Deputy Governor of Attica for Spatial Planning, Urban Planning Matters and Applications, and Land Policy; Ms. Anna Kaganis-Kortianou, Deputy Mayor of Culture of the Municipality of Paros; Mr. Thanasis Marinopoulos, Municipal Councillor of Paros and Head of the Popular Rally (Laiki Syspirosi) faction; Ms. Mania Abatzi, President of the Paros Hoteliers Association; Mr. Serafeim Birdas, Head of the Parikia Police Department; Mr. Thomas Katsiavitas, Head of the Naoussa Police Department; Mr. Andreas Lykoudis, Commander of the Paros Port Authority; Mr. Dimitris Tolis, Head of the Paros Fire Service Unit; and Mr. Efthymios Kydonieus, member of the Ecclesiastical Council of the Holy Shrine of Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Paros. The celebration was also attended by numerous prominent figures from the island’s business community, while representatives of many tourism enterprises and cultural associations were also present. The event was hosted and coordinated by Mr. Konstantinos Mouzakis, President of the Attica Acropolis Club of Executive Chefs. Of particular significance was the presence of many long-standing Parian residents who have themselves been part of the island’s hospitality industry and whose personal stories are closely intertwined with the history and evolution of this historic hotel. Their presence served as a living connection between Pandrossos’ past and present. The evening concluded with warm wishes that Pandrossos will continue to grow with the same passion, dedication, and love for hospitality, remaining one of Paros’ most iconic landmarks and continuing its journey well beyond its first century of history. The event was sponsored by Campari and Cava Ragousis.