Summer on Chios Island

Chians have always loved music and dance, for which they are commonly known. Every village organizes at least one festival in the village square, usually on the day that the church celebrates its name-day.

The instruments that are traditionally played at those festivals are for example the violin, the Oud and the lute - the clarinet and the bouzouki which were added later.

The close relationship that Chios has with the East is obvious audibly in their music and dances. Additionally the music, dances and festivities were greatly influenced by refugees with various origins.This makes the events so interesting and enjoyable because there will be something for everybody's gusto for sure.

Even today in many villages music and dancing lasts two or even three nights. The types of dances that are performed at the festivals may differ from village to village, but you will mainly see the "Syrto", the slowly "Tsiftetelia" and "Kasilamades", the "Arapi Sousta", the "Aptalika" and the "Hasaposevika". All of the performances are influenced by Asia Minor due to the occupation in the past.

These festivals which are held in one of the smaller picturesque and less wealthy villages of northern Chios and the massif Amani are strongly advisable. There are tables set for all the visitors who are served traditionally-made goat stew (katsika kokkinisti) and pilaf (katsikopilafo) that is cooked on a wood fire in huge copper pots.