Traditional Pontian dancing for first time on Corfu streets on 20 August

The traditional Pontian 'Momoeria', which has its roots in ancient times, will be performed on the streets of Corfu for the first time on Saturday 20 August. It is a modern form of dithyramb (exchange of responses – partly improvised – between the leader of the chorus or the leaders of the chorus and other persons outside the chorus) - a street dance that has been included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Momoeria comprises a dance group (leader and dancers), a theatrical group (with improvised dialogues) and musicians (lyre, gaida (Greek bagpipes), davul), all in costumes. The 'Kotsiamani', wearing helmets and fustanellas (kilts) and carrying sticks, visit the village houses one by one. Amongst them are the dancers, who talk to the audience and are only men; two brides whom the people try to 'steal' and then pay a price on their return, an old man, an old woman, the devil, a doctor who examines the bride and usually confirms that she has been abused, a village policeman and others. They are accompanied by lyres, gaida (Greek bagpipes) and davul.

The Momeria will end up at the square by the Old Port, where the first Corfu Pontian Black Sea Club festival-celebration in Corfu Town will take place.