Kytherian Dancers Celebrate at the Zakynthian Giostra

The traditional Zakynthian carnival of Giostra is a delightful throw back to the Middle Ages and recalls the rich Venetian influences and traditions that enveloped the Ionian Islands.

Horseback jousting and sporting contests, street theatre (in the form of “omilies”), regal processions, folk dancing, the re-enactment of a lavish Venetian wedding replete with gorgeous period costumes and masks, all feature in this carnival which begins with a parade starting from the historic plateau of St. Paul and proceeding to the famous central square of Dionysios Solomos.

The carnival attracts visitors from all over the Ionian Islands and elsewhere and for the last three years the

folkloric dancing troupe of the Kytherian Association of Athens has participated in the Giostra to support this colourful event. This year the carnival was held at the end of May and also featured delegations from Italy, San Marino, Corfu, Kefalonia and Lefkada.

The Kytherian group, led by their tireless teacher Litsa Galanaki, performed traditional Kytherian and other eptanesian dances in this glorious medieval setting and added to the colour and enjoyment of the festival.

Scenes from the Giostra, from both this year and previous years, are below, courtesy of www.kithiraikossindesmos.gr and www.giostradizante.gr

George Vardas

36 The Kytherian July 2015

The Kytherian July 2015 37