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.
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.
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.
Exact dates are announced each year by the organisers — confirm them before you travel.