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CIVILIZATION
The cultural leaders of the island have actively and dynamically aspired to promote the uniform character and the common convictions of its inhabitants through the organization of events which cultivate its traditions either in small local gathering or in large celebrations.
"The Theatrical group of Leros" has been very active since 1982 under the direction of Vasos Andronidis, the well known actor from the Art Theater of Athens and has successfully given more than a dozen theatrical performances, not only in Leros, but also in Athens and several other places of the Aegean. There is also a Children's Theater and a Film Society in operation.
"Artemis", the Educational and Cultural Society of the Youth of Leros, which has programs devoted to dancing, folklore and musical tradition. It was founded in 1982 and it has many activities in Greece and abroad. Moreover, the society has a wardrobe of traditional Greek uniforms and a noteworthy collection of musical instruments.
-Dancing
Department: Music
and dancing studies of the traditional Lerian dances,
aiming at a deep comprehension of our Greek culture,
with seminars and and almost every day teaching, young boys, and girls find
opportunities to rediscover the wealth of our past. There is also a wardrobe
rich in costumes from different parts of Greece such as Crete, Pontos, Thrace,
Macedonia, Thessalia and Epiros as well as a rich variation of CD's, records
and cassettes,
for further information call Mrs. Dallaris, Tel 0247 25333 and 24116
-Research team: In collaboration with the institute of musical studies of Asia Minor, the team will present "Leros songs", in October 1998,
for further information call 0247 24116 or 094 140272.
-Theatrical group: The group has performed various theatrical plays of the Greek repertory, such as "If you work, you eat" by Tsekouras, "A Mademoiselle 39 years old" by Sakelarios Giannakopoulos, "The trombone" by Marios Pontikas and "A circus full of miracles". This year it dared to deal with a much more demanding play written by the Nobel Prize awarded Italian play writer Dario Fo. It has been a creative and fascinating work which will be presented in August 1998,
for further information call 0247 22183, 093 820852
-Folklore Department: It has been dealing with the Greek customs and especially with the Lerian tradition.
-Library: A very interesting and creative aspect in poetry reading and analysis has been taken place for the last three years, with poetic contests and speeches about literature,
for further information call 093 820852
-The chess and ping-pong department: which organizes tournaments every summer,
for further information about the rest of group's activities, such as chorus, cinema, photography, puppet show, call 0247 25333, 24116, 094 140272, 093 820852.
TRADITION
Of the traditional folk events that are held on Leros every year, Carnival, the Wine Festival and the Bulafentia stand out.
Carnival is run by the municipal authorities and all the locals play a part. Disguised in customs and masks the people roam through the narrow lanes dancing and singing. In the same spirit the children of the island, also dressed and disguise, go from door to door and sing improvised little ditties of humorous intent.
Wine Festival is held every year during the first fifteen days in August when the island is crowded with visitors who pay honor to the custom together with the locals.
Boulafentia is an event with athletic nature. Within the context of this festival, held throughout August, there are road races and soccer matches which are dedicated to the famous heart surgeon Boulafentis, one of Leros' most important sons.
The Festivals and feast days are some of the most beloved of the folk and religious events of the island and nearly everyone takes part. The most important of these are the feast day of Agia Marina (St. Marina) which is celebrated on 16 and 17 July and the feast day of the patron saint of the island the Panagia (Virgin Mary) of the Castle at Platanos, celebrated on 14 and 15 August. During the summer period between 15 July and 30 August, the municipality hold a number of cultural and artistic events which include noteworthy concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, painting exhibitions, naval contests and other similar undertakings which are meant to cultivate the folk tradition and to promote vigorous culture and intellectual activity on the island.