Thessaloniki Honors Pontic Genocide with Powerful Dance Performance

Thessaloniki Celebrates Pontic Remembrance Day with Vibrant Dance Performance Thessaloniki, Greece – On May 19th, the city of Thessaloniki came alive with the sounds of traditional Pontic music and dance as part of the annual commemoration of the Pontic Genocide. The event, held in the city's Agia Sophia Square, saw a large crowd gather to witness a powerful performance by a group of Pontic dancers. The dancers, dressed in traditional black costumes, performed the dynamic Pyrrhic dance, a centuries-old tradition that symbolizes courage and resilience. The rhythmic beats of the Pontic lyre filled the air, creating an atmosphere of both celebration and remembrance. One spectator, Maria, commented, "It was a truly moving experience. To see this dance, to feel the energy, it helps to keep the memory of our ancestors alive." The event served as a powerful reminder of the Pontic Genocide, a tragic chapter in Greek history. However, it also highlighted the strength and enduring spirit of the Pontic community, their rich cultural heritage, and their determination to keep their traditions alive. The event concluded with the dancers and audience joining hands in a show of unity and solidarity, a fitting end to a day of remembrance and celebration.