The Municipality of Chalki\u2019s 4th Friendship & Tradition Festival is proving a resounding success; an event that has now established itself as a meeting point for cultures, people and traditions, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the islands and local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two previous weekends of this year\u2019s Festival were dedicated to Rethymno in Crete and the neighbouring village of Embonas on Rhodes, highlighting the shared cultural roots, traditions and values that unite our region with the wider Greek world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first series of events took place on 12 and 13 June, with Halki welcoming the master lyra player Grigoris Samolis for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The festivities were opened by the \u2018Oi Stavraetoi\u2019 dance troupe of the Brotherhood of Cretans of Rhodes “Psiloritis”, whilst the island was represented by the “Agios Ioannis” Association of Chalki Residents of Rhodes and the Chalki Cultural Association “Myrtos”, with musical accompaniment by greek lyre (lyra) player Mr. Stamatis Chourdas, and the greek lute (laouto) player Mr. Giannis Chatzikalimeris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the second day of the events, the theatre group of the Brotherhood of Cretans of Rhodes “Psiloritis” moved the audience with their outstanding performance of “Honey from Smyrna, oil from Knossos” by Mr. Stelios Viskadourakis, directed by Mer. Giannis Floros and adapted for the stage by Mr. Giannis Niotakis, earning warm applause from the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The festival\u2019s second “stop” took place on Saturday 20 June at the port of Halki, with the participation of the cultural association of Embonas “Attavyros”, the Association of Chalki Residents of Rhodes “Agios Ioannis” and the Chalki Cultural Association “Myrtos”, who highlighted the shared cultural elements and rich traditions of our regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A special and truly memorable moment of the evening was the original musical theatre performance of traditional dances by the group “Glenti\u2019”, under the guidance of Chalki teacher, Mrs. Elpiniki Tsomaka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative, which grew out of voluntary traditional dance classes held throughout the winter, succeeded in bringing together children, parents, teachers, Coastguard officers, elected representatives and residents of all ages, demonstrating that the school can act as a hub for culture, social cohesion and creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event was honoured by the presence of the Greek Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport, Mrs. Sofia Zacharaki, who had the opportunity to witness first-hand the important work being carried out in small and remote schools and the crucial role played by teachers in local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The evening\u2019s musical accompaniment was provided by Mr. Ilias Anastasiadis on the lyra, Mr. Binis Zampetoulas on the laouto, Mr. Giorgos Anastasiadis on the laouto and Mr. Nikos Kanavakis on the keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his welcoming address, the Mayor of Chalki, Mr. Evangelos Fragkakis, emphasised that “Chalki is proving once again that small islands can produce great culture, that tradition can unite people, and that education can inspire and build communities”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Municipality of Chalki extends its warmest thanks to all the artists, musicians, volunteers, associations and contributors to the events who helped make the Festival a success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special thanks go to the President of the Brotherhood of Cretans of Rhodes and the driving force behind the theatre group, Holy Priest Emmanouil Sklivakis, to the Brotherhood\u2019s Special Secretary, Mr. Manolis Papadakis, and to the dance teacher of the Embonas Association, Mr. Giorgos Karagiannakis, for their enduring friendship, cooperation and invaluable contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year, the Festival of Friendship and Tradition reaffirms that culture is the greatest strength of small islands, keeping memories alive and strengthening the bonds between people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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