Overview:

The Dance of Zalongo is a traditional Greek ritual that takes its roots from the markopoulon region of Greece and is celebrated by many villages in Greee. It combines music, dance, and rhythm in a unique way which captures the origins of folk dance. It is believed that during the War of Greek Independence (1821-1832) many women and children died in the gorge of Zalongo, and the Dance of Zalongo was created to commemorate their courage and bravery. During the Dance of Zalongo, people wearing traditional Greek costumes perform a dance on the “beratis” or wooden scaffolding. The dance involves several men forming a tight circle and jumping in a clockwise direction. The steps in the dance are arranged to the music played by the musicians, which can include traditional Greek instruments such as the lyra or mandolin. The dance usually lasts for about twenty minutes and the festival usually ends with much singing and merriment. The dance is seen as a tribute to the heroes of the Greek Revolution, as it celebrates their courage and spirit. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The Dance of Zalongo is a traditional ritual and dance performed in the Greek region of Epirus. It commemorates the Zalongo massacre which happened in 1803, during the Greek War of Independence. The dance is understood to be the last act that those women committed before jumping off the mountain to their death. It is a daring dance with heart-stirring music and consists of a circle of women holding hands and dancing as they form a circle with fast and intense movements. The dance is seen as an act of bravery for the deceased women. The song is usually accompanied by the lyra, a traditional Greek instrument. The dance is today performed by professional troupes in folk festivals and events. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Dance of Zalongo is a traditional Greek dance and ritual that has its origins in the Peloponnese region of Greece. It is based on a tragic event that took place in 1803 when the Souli women, led by a woman named Zalongo, threw themselves off of a cliff near the Zalongo Pass in order to escape capture by the Ottomans. Faced with certain death, the women danced and sang until they leapt off the cliff, taking their own lives rather than allowing themselves to become slaves. The dance of Zalongo as it is practiced today evokes the courage and strength of the Souli women. It is generally performed during celebratory events such as weddings and festivals. The traditional dance consists of five steps, beginning with a group of dancers facing one another. They then move in a circle, clapping their hands and chanting “Zalongo, Zalongo.” As the dance progresses, the steps become more complex, with the group eventually forming a double spiral pattern as they move. The dance is accompanied by several other elements including the traditional costume, a colorful skirt made of wool, costume jewelry, and the playing of music on instruments such as the violin, bagpipes, and lute. The ritual itself is a celebration of the courage of the Souli women, and serves as a reminder of what it means to fight for freedom and to never forget the sacrifices that were made for it. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Dance of Zalongo was performed by approximately 300 women and children of the Souliot tribe in Epirus in 1803 in order to counter a threat of captivity by the Ottoman Empire. 2. The dance is named after a Souliot heroine named Zalongo, who is said to have been the leader of the group. 3. In order to keep their honor and deny the Ottoman Empire the pleasure of enslaving them, the women and children leapt off the side of the Zalongo mountain holding hands in a line in a prearranged order. 4. It is believed to be the only dance in the world with a tragic end, as all participants died. 5. Despite this, the Dance of Zalongo has become a symbol of strength and defiance against oppression and is celebrated annually on December 17. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era