Music and Dance Troupe of Naoussa, Paros

The Music and Dance Troupe and the Theater Group of Naoussa, Paros was founded many years ago in Naoussa, Paros and have demonstrated that their body of work contributes to the cultural values of the island.

The Music and Dance Troupe of Naoussa, Paros is a member of C.I.O.F.F. Greece (UNESCO-Β), which is an International Organization of Festivals. It collaborates with other associations of the island and Greece whose aim is cultural development.
The Association comprises nine groups of dancers and approximately 200 members, two traditional music groups, one theater group and has also founded a Folklore Collection.

New members are always welcome, and the only qualifications required are a love and passion for our Folk culture and the theater. The Association is supported by volunteers, none of whom are paid for their services. Regular performances are staged between May and September in the courtyard of Panagias church in Naoussa and in other villages on the island. Moreover, the Association participates in island events including the Ninth Day of the Virgin Mary in Naoussa, 15 August in Parikia, Sotiros in Marpissa.

It has also participated in events in other regions of Greece: Antiparos, Naxos, Ios, Ano Syros, Ikaria, Samos, Chios, Limnos, Chania Crete, Athens, Moschato, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Portaria Pilio, Naoussa Imathias, Karditsa, Thessaloniki, Antheia Alexandroupolis, Thassos.
And abroad: United Kingdom (Llangollen, Wales), Schagen Holland, Porto and Moita Portugal, Krov Germany, Strasbourg France, Aviano Italy, Vinstra Norway, Fribourg Switzerland and Puebla Mexico.

Television appearances: ΕΤ-1, ΝΕΤ, ΕΤ-3, ΜΕGΑ, ANTENNA, BBC Wales.
Awards: 2nd International Prize, Llangollen, Wales, 1991 (17 countries competed) and 3rd European Prize, Xanthe, 1989 (13 countries competed).

The Music and Dance Troupe of Naoussa, Paros is active in the following areas:

Tributes to poets - events featuring speech, images and dance.
Tributes based on musical, theatrical and dance themes.

Seasonal Events:

• Parian Christmas - an annual event featuring traditional Greek carols, traditional dances, poetry and one-act plays with Twelve Days of Christmas themes.
• Carnival on Paros - an annual event focusing on the revival of local customs and games of the island, with traditional food and dances.
• Ai Yiannis Klidonas - an event held each June, featuring the custom of Klidonas from the villages of Naoussa and Prodromos.