The family of Katsantonis were Sarakatsani, an ethnic Greek population group of transhumant shepherds, a traditional activity in the region of Tzoumerka. In late April they moved large herds of sheep and goats from the lowlands to mountain pastures; in late October they returned to the lowlands. Their animals provided them with milk, wool, and meat; ewes were milked to make cheese, while shearing was done in the spring and the wool was cleaned and turned into clothing and rugs. The Sarakatsani moved as entire families, using horses and mules to transport their possessions. They built their houses in a cluster close to the pasturage; this group of buildings was called a stani and was under the general authority of a tselingas (stani leader).