Traditional Professions in Limnos

One of the oldest professions on Limnos and strongly connected to the island is the profession of Kehagias. Initially Kehagiades were managers of the farms of rich farm owners or of Mount Athos’ monasteries and later they became owners of stockyards and pastures connected to the meaning of stockbreeders and livestock owners. Many songs and dances are dedicated to their life and accomplishments. Another traditional profession which prospered in the past was that of the sponge fisher. The refugees arriving to Limnos from Asia Minor in 1922 and mainly the inhabitants of Nea Koutali were engaged in sponge fishing. Today, you will find information about the history of sponge fishing at the Museum of Maritime Tradition and Sponge-Fishing in Nea Koutali.