THESSALY

Thessaly is a region of northern Greece. Dances of Thessaly are predominantly
circle dances characterized by a steady, pulsating rhythm with a preference
for slow, leisurely dance types. Their dance lines tend to move as a unit
without highly developed leadership improvisations. Wedding dances of Thessaly
are always done in a circle because it is considered a bad omen for the bride
and groom if the wedding guests dance separately.

The Dances of Thessaly

Gaitanaki
This is the Maypole dance which is done in villages throughout Thessaly (and
all of Greece) on May 1st every year. The weaving of the ribbons of the
maypole and their festive colors symbolize the earth going around in circles,
the growth of flowers and crops, and is the announcement by young maidens and
lads that spring is coming.

Karagouna
This dance takes its name from "kara" which means black in Turkish and
"younani" which means Ionian or Greek in Persian. When the Ottomans reached
Thessaly they called the people "Karayounan" because they wore black clothes
and head scarves. Karayounan evolved into Karagouna, which the people of
Thessaly call themselves to this day. It is also the name of this most popular
dance from the region. The Karagouna dance is danced at festivals and at
celebrations of religious holidays such as Saints' Days and is a traditional
dance done at weddings.

Pylioritikos
The dance Pylioritikos is from the Pylion area of Thessaly, located in the
mountains. This dance differs from other dances of Thessaly in that, instead
of being danced in a circle, its dance progression takes the form of a
labyrinth. This dance is traditionally done at weddings throughout Thessaly,
especially in Pylion.

Tai-tai
This song-dance is only done on the third day of Easter which is the Tuesday
following Easter Sunday and symbolizes the closing of the three days of
festivities following the most significant religious holiday of the Greek
Orthodox religion.

Xesakotos
Xesakotos is a freestyle couples' dance from the plains and mountains of the
region of Thessaly located in northern Greece. This dance is popular at
festivals and at celebrations of religious holidays such as Saints' Days. It
is also done during the preparations that precede a wedding.

Click here for photos of dances from Thessaly:

Gaitanaki
         1993-FDF-MII-Gaitanaki
         1997-FDF-MIII-Gaitanaki

Taitai
         1993-FDF-MII-Taitai

or Previous page

Please E- your comments to Vasilis & Effie Fourakis

Webmaster Pete Gikkas