| Melbourne's Greek community is supported by a number of cultural associations which encourage the preservation of traditions, music and dances. Regions include Cyprus, Crete, Peloponnese, Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace and Pontos and these areas and their carnivalé traditions will be represented in the ‘Plateia' (or square) by the various cultural associations.
Panepirotic Federation of Australia
As well as the traditional display of the artifacts, greater emphasis will be placed on the song and dance of the apokries festivities laced with humor and extravagance. Featuring authentic musical instruments, the re-enactment of the ‘kalantzis' dance will be performed.
Dancers are asked to follow outlandish demands from the singers as well as the audience, adding extra fun to this spectacular performance.
As with all other apokries traditions food is no exception, and so the famous Epirotan Pita takes centre stage. Audiences will be taken through the various stages of the pita making experience from the gathering of the basic ingredients to the tasting of these special morsels.
PanCretan Association of Melbourne
The PanCretan Association of Melbourne proudly presents the greatest love story ever told, "Erotokritos": a story of love, trials and tribulations well before Romeo and Juliet came along. With our talented young dance members playing the roles of Erotokrito and Aretousa in conjunction with the velvet sounds of the lyra played by Giannis Polakis, the Pancretans will bring to life this beautiful tale with their songs, dances and beautiful ‘ Μαντινάδες '.
Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria
The Cypriot Community of Melbourne & Victoria will present a traditional Cypriot wedding, which will include the dressing of the bride and groom with a variety of songs, music and chants, not forgetting the largest tradition of the island, the pinning of money on the bride. Musicians Dimitris Hoplaros and Patrick Montgomerry will give everyone a taste of Cypriot music.
Central Pontian Association of Melbourne & Victoria "Pontiaki Estia"
Pontiaki Estia will present an ancient Pontian tradition called the "Kouskoutoura". This is a magical tradition that was exercised at the end of the Spring season in the Pontos region to bring on the rain. This tradition will be accompanied by lyra player George Sevastopoulos.
PanMacedonian Association of Melbourne
The tradition of ‘camels' held in picturesque Neo Monastiri is one of the most well-known traditions of Northern Thrace. It begins with local musicians playing and the formation of a large dance circle, made up of all the people of the village and visitors. The festival finishes with the "war" of the Divitzides. The "Arapides" tradition is one of the most important in the Balkan region, performed in honour of St. John, on his festival day.
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PROGRAM
Saturday 25 February
1pm - Pancretan Association Dance Group
2pm - Pallaconian Dance Group
3.15pm - Panmacedonian Dance
3.45pm - Cyprian Community Dance Group
Sunday 26 February
1pm - Pancretan Association Dance Group
3.15pm - Pallaconian Dance Group
4.00pm - Pontiaki Estia Dance Group
5.30pm - Panmacedonian Dance Group
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