{"id":1771,"date":"2026-05-28T21:17:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T18:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/?p=1771"},"modified":"2026-05-28T21:17:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T18:17:59","slug":"goat-shearing-at-skoufalos-sheepfold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/goat-shearing-at-skoufalos-sheepfold\/","title":{"rendered":"Goat shearing at Skoufalos’ sheepfold"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cWE SHEARED OUR GOATS WITH OUR PATIENCE,
\nSO OUR FRIENDS MAY REJOICE AND OUR ENEMIES BURST WITH ENVY\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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H<\/span> iking in Chios is closely connected to the timeless activity of shepherds, an activity etched into the landscape through dozens of paths created by the endless movement of flocks.<\/strong> Often, along these routes, we encounter various dry-stone structures that were once vital to shepherds and, although no longer in use today, continue to enrich the beauty of our walks. Our affection for shepherds is deep.<\/p>\n

Among the most beloved is Giannis Skoufalos, the iconic modern shepherd of Aepos, always wearing his characteristic \u201cSmyrnia\u201d headscarf. A warm and perceptive person who sometimes seems reserved\u2014not out of eccentricity, but out of respect for an unwritten code that calls for the hard work and the flock to be protected from prying eyes<\/strong>. In the past, being invited to the shearing at Skoufalos\u2019 place was considered a special honor among shepherds. That is why my joy was doubled when, after a blessed coincidence, I found myself with my daughter Mariza at his sheepfold on July 20, 2025, watching the goat shearing up close.<\/p>\n

Outside the sheepfold on Aepos, around fifteen trucks were parked. We approached hesitantly; the dogs did not know us and barked at us<\/strong>. The surrounding area was filled with sacks of animal feed, tools, machinery, milk containers, and tanks, while the noise of the generator drowned out every other sound and made conversations difficult.<\/p>\n

I had heard that other shepherds help during the \u201cSkoufalos shearing,\u201d but I did not expect such a large gathering. Women, children, even a baby just a few months old, along with about twenty-five livestock farmers shearing countless goats<\/strong>. Giannis Skoufalos was away on an errand. The first familiar face I met was Giannis Boulas. I wanted to capture the moments. Boulas signaled for me to wait, coordinated with Dimitris, the family\u2019s youngest son, and then led us to the area where his sister, Stavrini, was shearing with scissors.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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H<\/span> iking in Chios is closely connected to the timeless activity of shepherds, an activity etched into the landscape through dozens of paths created by the endless movement of flocks.<\/strong> Often, along these routes, we encounter various dry-stone structures that were once vital to shepherds and, although no longer in use today, continue to enrich the beauty of our walks. Our affection for shepherds is deep.<\/p>\n

Among the most beloved is Giannis Skoufalos, the iconic modern shepherd of Aepos, always wearing his characteristic \u201cSmyrnia\u201d headscarf. A warm and perceptive person who sometimes seems reserved\u2014not out of eccentricity, but out of respect for an unwritten code that calls for the hard work and the flock to be protected from prying eyes<\/strong>. In the past, being invited to the shearing at Skoufalos\u2019 place was considered a special honor among shepherds. That is why my joy was doubled when, after a blessed coincidence, I found myself with my daughter Mariza at his sheepfold on July 20, 2025, watching the goat shearing up close.<\/p>\n

Outside the sheepfold on Aepos, around fifteen trucks were parked. We approached hesitantly; the dogs did not know us and barked at us<\/strong>. The surrounding area was filled with sacks of animal feed, tools, machinery, milk containers, and tanks, while the noise of the generator drowned out every other sound and made conversations difficult.<\/p>\n

I had heard that other shepherds help during the \u201cSkoufalos shearing,\u201d but I did not expect such a large gathering. Women, children, even a baby just a few months old, along with about twenty-five livestock farmers shearing countless goats<\/strong>. Giannis Skoufalos was away on an errand. The first familiar face I met was Giannis Boulas. I wanted to capture the moments. Boulas signaled for me to wait, coordinated with Dimitris, the family\u2019s youngest son, and then led us to the area where his sister, Stavrini, was shearing with scissors.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\ud83d\udcf7 Stratos, Maria, Stavrini and Giannis.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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With her were her friend Maria\u2014the only women shearing\u2014Giannis from Vessa, and Skoufalos\u2019 eldest son, Stratos, who at the time was president of the Chios Shepherds\u2019 Association. I greeted them and, spontaneously, like an ignorant beginner, asked Stratos, \u201cHow many goats are there?\u201d Before I could even finish the sentence, I answered myself: \u201cWhat am I asking? You don\u2019t say that,\u201d since any such reference is considered bad luck. \u201cThere are many people here,\u201d I commented to Stavrini. \u201cThis year we are few. In the past, we were seventy pairs of shears<\/strong>,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, around ten flocks are sheared collectively in Aepos, Pityos, Lagada at Viki, Fyta, and elsewhere. In earlier times, when there were more shepherds but fewer animals, collective shearings were more frequent. The shepherds of Vrontados would travel by mule and donkey to the stone sheepfolds in Aepos, Egisa, and Amygdalia, and after finishing the shearing, they would set up an improvised outdoor feast with goat pilaf and a bottle of raki<\/strong>. A metal tin would keep the rhythm for songs and dances, and when the celebration reached its peak, they would wish for the goats \u201cto multiply\u201d the following year and knock down a section of the stone sheepfold so it could be rebuilt larger.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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With her were her friend Maria\u2014the only women shearing\u2014Giannis from Vessa, and Skoufalos\u2019 eldest son, Stratos, who at the time was president of the Chios Shepherds\u2019 Association. I greeted them and, spontaneously, like an ignorant beginner, asked Stratos, \u201cHow many goats are there?\u201d Before I could even finish the sentence, I answered myself: \u201cWhat am I asking? You don\u2019t say that,\u201d since any such reference is considered bad luck. \u201cThere are many people here,\u201d I commented to Stavrini. \u201cThis year we are few. In the past, we were seventy pairs of shears<\/strong>,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, around ten flocks are sheared collectively in Aepos, Pityos, Lagada at Viki, Fyta, and elsewhere. In earlier times, when there were more shepherds but fewer animals, collective shearings were more frequent. The shepherds of Vrontados would travel by mule and donkey to the stone sheepfolds in Aepos, Egisa, and Amygdalia, and after finishing the shearing, they would set up an improvised outdoor feast with goat pilaf and a bottle of raki<\/strong>. A metal tin would keep the rhythm for songs and dances, and when the celebration reached its peak, they would wish for the goats \u201cto multiply\u201d the following year and knock down a section of the stone sheepfold so it could be rebuilt larger.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\ud83d\udcf7 Giannis brings out a goat for shearing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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I observed the spaces of the sheepfold. In two inner \u201crooms\u201d the goats had been gathered, while in three others, near the exit, the shepherds were shearing\u2014most with large scissors and a few with electric clippers<\/strong>. The ground was muddy and covered with hair; the air was filled with floating fibers and a strong smell. Outside were sheep, pigs, free-roaming chickens, a sofa, and the family\u2019s small house: an authentic modern livestock installation on Aepos in all its grandeur.<\/p>\n

At intervals, mostly younger shepherds entered the inner rooms to guide the goats toward the shearing area. With shouts and gestures they created an impressive \u201cchoreography\u201d to make them \u201cface forward\u201d toward the exit<\/strong>. Every now and then someone swept the hair away. Today it is discarded, but in the past wool had value, so it was collected and sold. \u201cThey used to make woolen bags and carpets,\u201d they explained to me, \u201cand the shearing expenses\u2014the drinks\u2014were covered by the hair and the wool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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I observed the spaces of the sheepfold. In two inner \u201crooms\u201d the goats had been gathered, while in three others, near the exit, the shepherds were shearing\u2014most with large scissors and a few with electric clippers<\/strong>. The ground was muddy and covered with hair; the air was filled with floating fibers and a strong smell. Outside were sheep, pigs, free-roaming chickens, a sofa, and the family\u2019s small house: an authentic modern livestock installation on Aepos in all its grandeur.<\/p>\n

At intervals, mostly younger shepherds entered the inner rooms to guide the goats toward the shearing area. With shouts and gestures they created an impressive \u201cchoreography\u201d to make them \u201cface forward\u201d toward the exit<\/strong>. Every now and then someone swept the hair away. Today it is discarded, but in the past wool had value, so it was collected and sold. \u201cThey used to make woolen bags and carpets,\u201d they explained to me, \u201cand the shearing expenses\u2014the drinks\u2014were covered by the hair and the wool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\ud83d\udcf7 Shepherds, shouting loudly, guide the goats into the rooms where the shearing took place.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

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The work was demanding, yet the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Jokes and songs from Stavrini and Maria were never missing, while the women of the family offered us water, soft drinks, and sweets. As the hours passed, the breaks became more frequent and the fatigue showed on their faces and hands<\/strong>. It was already seven in the evening\u2014they had started at three in the afternoon. \u201cGiannis, come tie this better for me,\u201d said Stavrini. \u201cThis type of tying is called havia,\u201d Giannis explained to me.<\/p>\n

The children\u2014Nikolas, Ioanna, and Marinos\u2014would sometimes stand beside Stratos to try the scissors themselves, \u201cso they can learn,\u201d and at other times they played with a small kid goat. At one point, Stavrini found a calm goat and called Mariza to shear it, so she could experience it too. \u201cNow that you\u2019ve learned, you should come again next year to shear<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The work was demanding, yet the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Jokes and songs from Stavrini and Maria were never missing, while the women of the family offered us water, soft drinks, and sweets. As the hours passed, the breaks became more frequent and the fatigue showed on their faces and hands<\/strong>. It was already seven in the evening\u2014they had started at three in the afternoon. \u201cGiannis, come tie this better for me,\u201d said Stavrini. \u201cThis type of tying is called havia,\u201d Giannis explained to me.<\/p>\n

The children\u2014Nikolas, Ioanna, and Marinos\u2014would sometimes stand beside Stratos to try the scissors themselves, \u201cso they can learn,\u201d and at other times they played with a small kid goat. At one point, Stavrini found a calm goat and called Mariza to shear it, so she could experience it too. \u201cNow that you\u2019ve learned, you should come again next year to shear<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\ud83d\udcf7 Mariza, under Stavrini\u2019s supervision, shears a goat.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7 Vasilis sweeps the cut goat hair.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

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\ud83d\udcf7 Giannis Skoufalos with the bread soaked in wine, carnations, and garlic.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Little by little, the sheepfold was emptied of goats. Only \u201cthe sparse-haired ones won\u2019t be sheared.\u201d Giannis Skoufalos had returned and was preparing for the traditional ritual that marks the completion of the shearing of goats and sheep. He brought a bowl of bread soaked in wine<\/strong>, dipped his hand into it, filled his palm, and scattered it over the remaining goats \u201cto bless them.\u201d Then he brought a bucket with bunches of carnations and garlic and called the children to tie them to the goats\u2019 right horns \u201cso the evil eye won\u2019t affect them.\u201d He also told Giannis Boulas to do the same, \u201che is the eldest of all of us and we must respect him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together with Dimitris, they opened the gate to let the last animals leave. \u201cWhere are they going now?\u201d I asked him. \u201cThey know,\u201d he replied briefly. To me, he looked happy, filled with deep satisfaction. The work had been done and the traditions had been honored. He pointed to the taps outside the sheepfold and called out, \u201cWash up and head to Flori<\/strong>,\u201d giving the signal for the end of a demanding day, successfully completed thanks to the solidarity of his fellow shepherds.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Little by little, the sheepfold was emptied of goats. Only \u201cthe sparse-haired ones won\u2019t be sheared.\u201d Giannis Skoufalos had returned and was preparing for the traditional ritual that marks the completion of the shearing of goats and sheep. He brought a bowl of bread soaked in wine<\/strong>, dipped his hand into it, filled his palm, and scattered it over the remaining goats \u201cto bless them.\u201d Then he brought a bucket with bunches of carnations and garlic and called the children to tie them to the goats\u2019 right horns \u201cso the evil eye won\u2019t affect them.\u201d He also told Giannis Boulas to do the same, \u201che is the eldest of all of us and we must respect him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together with Dimitris, they opened the gate to let the last animals leave. \u201cWhere are they going now?\u201d I asked him. \u201cThey know,\u201d he replied briefly. To me, he looked happy, filled with deep satisfaction. The work had been done and the traditions had been honored. He pointed to the taps outside the sheepfold and called out, \u201cWash up and head to Flori<\/strong>,\u201d giving the signal for the end of a demanding day, successfully completed thanks to the solidarity of his fellow shepherds.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\ud83d\udcf7 Giannis Skoufalos opens the gate to let the goats out, marking the end of the shearing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The shepherds climbed into their trucks; we too got onto the back of Vasilis\u2019 pickup and headed to Flori. Some, before sitting at the long benches in the church courtyard, went into Saint George\u2019s church to pay their respects. The women of the family brought goat pilaf, various other dishes, and drinks. A large group\u2014around fifty people\u2014sat together<\/strong>. The mood was warm and kind, though not as festive as in other years. And when, late at night, just before midnight, some of the shepherds began to sing softly, every song carried a pain, a shadow of mourning that covered the joy.<\/p>\n

Dedicated to Petros, who left too soon.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The shepherds climbed into their trucks; we too got onto the back of Vasilis\u2019 pickup and headed to Flori. Some, before sitting at the long benches in the church courtyard, went into Saint George\u2019s church to pay their respects. The women of the family brought goat pilaf, various other dishes, and drinks. A large group\u2014around fifty people\u2014sat together<\/strong>. The mood was warm and kind, though not as festive as in other years. And when, late at night, just before midnight, some of the shepherds began to sing softly, every song carried a pain, a shadow of mourning that covered the joy.<\/p>\n

Dedicated to Petros, who left too soon.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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GOAT AND SHEEP SHEARING<\/strong>
\nLivestock farmers shear their goats and sheep before summer to protect them from heat and parasites, ensuring cleanliness and better health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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GOAT AND SHEEP SHEARING<\/strong>
\nLivestock farmers shear their goats and sheep before summer to protect them from heat and parasites, ensuring cleanliness and better health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dedicated to Petros, who left too soon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[27,46,47,48],"class_list":["post-1771","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoor-stories","tag-aepos","tag-giannis-skoufalos","tag-goats","tag-shearing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1771"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1833,"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1771\/revisions\/1833"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chioshiking.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}