Traditional music is deeply embedded in the life of Andriots
Feasting, music and dance were always deeply embedded in the life of Andros’ locals, being means of expressing feelings and emotions, as well as antidotes to adversity and sorrow. Andros’ music and dance tradition is deeply rooted and virtually impossible to trace, both in terms of time and location.
Generally speaking, dance proceedings at celebrations on the island begin with slow-paced styles, gradually liven up with faster, bouncier styles, and eventually wind up with the ballos, a style danced by couples, face to face.
Stay in Kypri, one of the best beaches in Andros
The Aegean islands of Greece are known for Nisiotika songs which are mostly accompanied by lyra, clarinet, guitar, violin but also gaida (bagpipe). Folk dances include the ballos, syrtos, sousta, stavrotos and many other variations of a basic theme.
In the Cycladic islands, the violin is more popular than Cretan lyra, and has produced several respected musicians many of which you can enjoy in the summer ‘panigiria’ or fiestas celebrating mosty religious holidays.
