Greek folk dance festivals celebrate tradition in Kozani and Crete

On June 13, the central square of Kozani was filled with music, traditional costumes and dances from across Greece as the 9th Pan‑Hellenic Meeting of Educational Dance Teams took place. Organized by the Kozani Primary Teachers’ Association, the event featured school dance groups from Halkidiki, Livadeia, Preveza, Erdia, Kavala, Thessaloniki, Serres and the host city, along with a live orchestra led by Nikos Sakaris. The celebration highlighted the richness of Greek folk heritage and drew large crowds of citizens and passersby.

During a separate folklore festival on the island of Crete, a preschool‑age boy performed spectacular “flying” jumps and intricate steps, capturing the audience’s attention and becoming a viral sensation online. The event, organized by the Folk Association Xnari, showcased the same traditional rhythms and costumes, illustrating how Greece’s cultural traditions are passed to younger generations.