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THE 10^TH FESTIVAL OF CHERRIES

In the beautiful, packed amphitheater at Archaggelos the 10^th Festival of Cherries took place on 17^th, 18^th and 19th July under the Auspices  of Greek Dance Archives and IOV.

The event was perfectly organized by the Educational and Cultural Association of Archangelos Vlachs, DEPA Exoplatanos and the prefecture of Pellas.

The theatre overflowed with crowds on the evenings of the18^th and 19^th who had the opportunity to enjoy and applaud the well executed dances and songs of important IOV member groups and co-workers of Greek Dance Archives. There were performances from the dance group of the Municipality of Ioanniton who presented elements of tradition from six regions of Epeirus. The audience was captivated by the music and dance group from Seoul, “BAN SOOK IN DANCE COMPANY”, who performed traditional Korean dances including the fan dance, which is one of the country’s most famous, ceremonial folk dances performed by women gracefully opening and closing their hand held fans at a rapid rhythm.

The traditional dance section of the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Ioannina, one of the finest and highly awarded groups in Greece, presented dances from Giannina, Pogoni, Northern Epeirus, Zagori, Metsovo and Sirrako as well as dances of the Sarakatsanon of Ipeiros.  The combination of songs and dances performed by the dancers in their impressive costumes and accompanied by traditional musical instruments gave us the opportunity to experience a large part of the rich music and dance tradition of Ipeiros.

The renowned local group, “the Almopes”, a folk club from Aridaia and ECAAV presented the impressive dances of the Almopia region.

The adult section of ECAAV performed dances from the Almopia area while the youth group as well as the beginners group presented traditional and Vlach dances. The inspiring presence of more than fifty dancers on the stage in a wealth of colors moved the audience. The women’s costumes were from Monastiraki in Drama, the youth wore costumes from Gida, while the traditional dress of the children was from Halkidiki, Vestiario in Katerini, and Agiamatzi Nikis.

All the above groups were offered warm hospitality from ECAAV, Archangelos. The members were taken on visits to the Museum of Ancient Pellas, the waterfalls at Edessa and the spa at Pozar and were all impressed by the natural beauty of the area and the rich, historical heritage of  Macedonia.

ECAAV presented all the participating associations with plaques and mementos to the general secretary of IOV Asia, Mr MOON Hyung Suk, who unfortunately was not present at the festival as arranged due to health problems, as he wrote.
Mr Christos Tentzerakis, president of IOV Greece was also honored.

An exhibition of black and white photographs with the theme “Archangelos of Yesterday” was on display. In addition cherries and various local dishes were offered.

The events were honored by the presence of several local administration officials as well as representatives of the central political scene.

Among those present were:

Members of Parliament from the Prefecture of Pellas - Mr G Karasmanis, Mr Tzamtzis, Mrs P Fountoukidou and Mrs T Tzakri.
The Euro MPand -senator of IOV, Mr I.  Gklavakis.

The Prefect of Pellas Mr M Karasmanis, the president of the prefecture council Mrs T Doumtsi, the vice prefect of Pellas Mr K Hatzilouloudas, Mr N Verikoukis, councilors of the prefect.

The mayor of Exaplatanos Mr S Toufeggopoulos, the president of ΔΕΠΑ Exaplatanos Mrs A Karatza, the president of the town council Mr Topalidis, town councilors.

The Mayor of Aridaia Mr P Zerzis, the deputy mayor of Aridaia Mr Zahariadis.

The President of IOV HELLAS and President of Greek Dance Archives Mr Christos Tentzerakis, the General Secretary of IOV Greece Mrs M Pappa-Sevou.

The President of the local council of Archangelos Mr D Mitakas, local councilors, the Head of Agriculture Mr Karathanos.

Former Minister Mr G Paschalidis

The N.D. politician Mr A Antoniou.

Representatives of many other Cultural Associations of the region.

Among the memorable moments of the Festival was the meeting of Christos Tentzerakis, President of IOV Hellas (himself a native of Archangelos), the General Secretary of the organization, M  Pappa –Sevou (from Epirus) and the group from the municipality of Ioannina.
It was particularly moving since the group had just won first place for dance and third place for singing in a recent international festival in Lithuania.

IOV Hellas, assessing the group’s multi level talents, had suggested they represent Greece at the above festival, and acting on this proposal the traditional dance section of the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Ioannina succeeded in achieving one of the most important distinctions in the history of Greek groups.

The moment when the President of IOVHELLAS Mr Tentzerakis introduced the group, informing the audience of their triumph and of the happy conclusion of the co-operation between the group and IOV Hellas, is a moment that will be difficult to erase from the memory of all concerned.
The occasion was sealed with a gift in silver, characteristic of the craftsmanship of the Ioannina area, presented to Mr Tentzerakis and IOV Hellas, while Mrs Pappa-Sevou willingly accepted the group’s invitation to dance with them, thus ending the first day’s program.

The festival of Cherries is now an International event and was once again acclaimed by all those who attended.

Photo gallery..

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