# Kangeleftos Dance of Ierissos

> The **Kangeleftos** of Ierissos is not a tourist event — it is one of the most moving memorials in Greece, reviving every year on **Easter Tuesday** at the **“Mavro Aloni”** site.  ## The story behind the dance In 1821, during the Halkidiki Revolution, **400 residents of Ierissos** surrendered after

## Quick facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Category | Culture |
| When | every year, April – May |
| Recurring | Yes, annually |
| Location | Ιερισσός, Άθως |
| Venue | Μαύρο Αλώνι |
| Area | athos |
| Entry | Free |
| Coordinates | 40.3833, 23.8833 |

> Note: exact dates for the current edition are announced yearly by the organisers; the window above is the recurring period.

## Description

The **Kangeleftos** of Ierissos is not a tourist event — it is one of the most moving memorials in Greece, reviving every year on **Easter Tuesday** at the **“Mavro Aloni”** site.

## The story behind the dance
In 1821, during the Halkidiki Revolution, **400 residents of Ierissos** surrendered after false promises of amnesty. Under the orders of Sentik Yusouf Bey, they were forced to dance under the threat of weapons, and with each turn of the dance, Turkish swords killed a dancer.

## How it is revived today
Since then, in honor of that sacrifice, a memorial service is held followed by the dance, with the participation of locals and visitors. The **kangeleftos** is slow and danced with the hesitant steps of people walking towards death, reenacting the slaughter. The song is filled with implications for the desired freedom: for many years, the custom was performed in the presence of Turks, and things could not be said openly.

## Practical information
- It takes place on **Easter Tuesday**, so the date shifts each year with Orthodox Easter.
- Participation is **free** and visitors are welcome to the dance.
- It is a memorial: the demeanor of attendees is solemn, not festive.

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Source: <https://chalkidikihub.gr/en/events/kangeleftos-ierissou>
Type: Event / Festival · Halkidiki, Greece