Fifty Years of Culture and Tradition Celebrated by the Lyceum Club of Greek Women in Kalymnos
An evening filled with memories, music, dance and emotion marked the 50th anniversary of the Kalymnos branch of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women.
The anniversary event, entitled “From Its Foundation to the Present Day – A Journey of Respect for Tradition and Love for Our Homeland,” was held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the “Aikaterini Klonari” Open-Air Theatre in Chora, in the presence of local authorities, institutional representatives and a large audience.
Five decades of continuous cultural work were brought to life through historical photographs, traditional music, songs and dances, highlighting the important contribution of the Lyceum Club to preserving and passing on the cultural heritage of Kalymnos and the Dodecanese.
The evening opened with addresses by the president of the Kalymnos branch, Kalliopi Kassara-Trikoili, and honorary president Kalliopi Mavrou, who offered a brief account of the organisation’s history and its long-standing contribution to the island.
A film featuring photographs and material from the Lyceum Club’s 50-year history was then screened. The film was curated by Giannis Glynatsis and narrated by Niki Reisi-Glynatsi.
The artistic programme featured songs and dances from several Dodecanese islands, including Rhodes, Karpathos and Nisyros, while a central part of the performance was devoted to the rich musical and dancing tradition of Kalymnos.
Among the Kalymnian dances and songs presented were “Peismatika,” the isos tsambounistos and sousta, the politiko syrto, thymariotikos, “Assos,” “Evraiopoula,” “Michanikos” and the internationally renowned “Dirlanda.”
The Kalymnian dances had been taught by Voula Koutella, Evdokia Oikonomidi and Nikolas Koukouvras. The programme was presented by Stella Koutroumani and Dina Zairi.
Musical direction was provided by Giorgos Karafyllis, with Kalliopi Mavrou serving as special artistic collaborator. The participating dancers and traditional singing group were accompanied by Manolis Frangos on violin, Kyriakos Bairamis on lute, Savvas Lymperis on the traditional tsambouna, Themelis Pizanias on lyre and vocals, and Manolis Kampouris on lute.
The overall artistic direction was undertaken by honorary president Kalliopi Mavrou, in cooperation with dance supervisor Dina Zairi and assistant supervisors Stella Koutroumani and Eirini Mougkrou.
Among those attending were representatives of the Holy Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia, members of the Armed Forces, Mayor of Kalymnos Ioannis Mastrokoukos, the coordinator of the Kalymnos Regional Unit, municipal and regional councillors, representatives of political parties and the president of the Kalymnos Reading Hall “Ai Mousai.”
Members of the Kalymnian diaspora in France were also present, including Afroditi Gerakiou, Eleni Gerakiou, Marina Dimitraki and Michalis Papachantzis. The event was also attended by Anna Mavrou-Bouziani, supervisor of the Kalamata branch of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women; Ms Tezari, representing the Sydney branch; and Professor Fotini Venetsanou.
Written greetings were sent by Dodecanese MPs Manos Konsolas, Vassilis Ypsilantis and Giorgos Nikitiadis. South Aegean Regional Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos also sent a message, highlighting the branch’s contribution to preserving Kalymnos’ cultural identity and heritage.
The anniversary celebration concluded with warm applause, paying tribute to the boards of directors, supervisors, teachers, musicians, dancers and members who have served the Kalymnos branch throughout its five decades of activity.
Fifty years after its establishment, the Lyceum Club of Greek Women in Kalymnos continues to keep the island’s cultural memory alive, passing its dances, songs, traditional costumes, customs and values on to future generations.
Photos and videos from the event follow. All the dance videos are available on our YouTube channel.
