From cleaning beaches to the magical Kalisperitis cinema, a group of locals is proving that a small island can achieve greatness through the power of community.
It all began with a small group of people and a big dream for their island. That’s how the Kimolistes were born — a grassroots volunteer initiative that started in 2011 with simple yet meaningful acts of love for Kimolos. Today, the group is a vital part of the island’s identity, a quiet yet vibrant force uniting long-time residents, newcomers, visitors, and friends of the island.
Their early efforts — cleaning beaches and tidying public spaces in the main village — soon grew into more ambitious projects. A highlight came in 2013, when they partnered with the EPOS Fyli mountaineering club to mark traditional hiking paths across the island. Every path cleared, every dry stone wall uncovered, every old field returned to sunlight is a step closer to reconnecting with Kimolos’ landscape, history, and soul.
Beyond Nature: A Cultural Pulse
But the Kimolistes didn’t stop there. In recent years, they’ve taken on a key role in Kimolos’ cultural life. From traditional caroling and revived customs to carnivals, hikes, canoe trips, excursions to Polyaigos, and pop-up lending libraries, their footprint can be seen in nearly every corner of the island.
One initiative, however, stands out: the “Kalisperitis” — a mobile summer cinema that has become a beloved cultural tradition. Since 2015, every summer the Kalisperitis is set up under the stars, sometimes on the beach, other times in village squares or alleyways. All it takes is a screen, a projector, a few chairs — and a community ready to share a story.
The 2025 season of Cine Kalisperitis began on June 19 with Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans — a fitting opening, as it’s a film about cinema itself, celebrating the human need for storytelling and shared experience. Screenings continue throughout the summer — once or twice a week, always free of charge, and always weather permitting.
“We carry equipment, set up screens, haul chairs, plan screenings… All of it powered by volunteers and the belief that Kimolos can shine through its authenticity,” say the Kimolistes.
Keeping the Spirit of the Island Alive
Kalisperitis has earned a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. Many travelers come to Kimolos just to experience these magical nights, where the screen becomes a mirror of the community and the movie becomes a shared, collective moment.
With zero budget but boundless energy, the Kimolistes show that summer on the Greek islands isn’t just about sun and sea — it’s about stories, initiatives, celebrations, and most of all, communities that keep local identity alive for everyone. Their door is always open. So are their hearts.
