The famous Greek dance sirtaki leaves no tourist indifferent
It is interesting how many legends are associated with Greek music. For example, a holiday in Greece is unthinkable without visiting the so-called 'Greek evening', where guests are sure to be offered to dance sirtaki. The very first chords of this dance make our heart beat faster and often evoke images of antiquity, athletic Greeks dressed in short white tunics, elegantly moving in a circle with their arms on each other's shoulders. However, this dance was written by Mikis Theodorakis only in the second half of the twentieth century!
Often, tourists planning tours to Greece ask to book tickets for a traditional song and dance evening – bouzouki. That is also the name of the national musical instrument. Its history was also quite complicated. Tracing its lineage back to the ancient Greek lyre, this plucked instrument was outlawed for a long time, like many Greek national symbols, and almost sank into oblivion. Bouzouki owes its triumphant return to the same Mikis Theodorakis – the greatest modern composer and public figure.
Now it is hard to imagine the true Greek sound without the murmuring strum of the bouzouki. Going through difficult post-war times, Greece did not lose optimism and continued to have fun. When the daytime heat gave way to nighttime coolness, Greeks gathered in taverns and coffee houses where their favorite singers and musicians performed. There they danced and sang, but the brightest expression of the grateful audience's emotions was breaking dishes. Upon request, waiters brought whole stacks of plates, which fans of musical talents would drop right at the feet of the performers.
And modern holidays in Greece will give you equally vivid impressions. You can go to a concert or time your trip to a music festival. Such 'event' tours to Greece are especially popular among trendy youth. They may be a bit expensive for students, but if you wish, you can go to the festival on a very economical program, including accommodation in the simplest apartments. Such a vacation has its own indescribable charm – freedom, hot sun, inviting sea, fun and endless music!
The most popular festival is held annually in Samothraki. But in other places, on individual islands, grand music festivals are organized. The schedule of such events can be viewed on the Internet or found out from your travel manager. And one more thing: do not forget to book tickets in advance.