You are cordially invited to the 2nd Children's Traditional Dance Festival, a journey through Greece guided by children.
Date: Saturday, June 13th
Time: 19:30 (7:30 PM)
Venue: Amphitheater of the 10th Primary School of Veria
A unique journey into Greek tradition was offered by the 2nd Children’s Traditional Dance Festival, organized by the Cultural and Athletic Association "I Kallithea" of Veria on Saturday, June 13, at the amphitheater of the 10th Primary School of Veria.
The event showcased the new generation of dancers, as dozens of children presented traditional dances and music from various regions of Greece with enthusiasm, vitality, and authenticity, winning the warm applause of the audience.
The festival featured children's dance groups from the Cultural and Athletic Association "I Kallithea", the Cultural Association of Agios Georgios, the Association of Asia Minor Descendants of Imathia, and the Association of Cretans of Imathia. Together, they offered a rich program filled with traditional costumes, music, and dances that highlighted the folk culture and cultural heritage of our homeland.
The presentation of the event was conducted by the president of C.A.A. "I Kallithea", Kostas Topalidis, who welcomed the participants and the audience to this celebration of tradition.
The dance department of C.A.A. "I Kallithea" was accompanied musically by Gefsi Stafylidou on the lyre and Thanasis Papatheodorou on the daouli (traditional drum). A special moment of the evening was the collective "Omal" dance, in which all the children from all associations participated. Little Loukas, a kindergarten student and new member of the association, also joined this musical finale, accompanying the dancers with his small daouli. He won the warm applause of the attendees, symbolizing the continuity of tradition into the younger generations.
The contribution of the dance instructors who prepared the groups for their participation in the festival was also significant. The Association of Asia Minor Descendants of Imathia was represented by Zoi Pavlidou, the Cultural Association of Agios Georgios by Antonis Kelepouris, the Association of Cretans of Imathia by Maria Panakaki, and C.A.A. "I Kallithea" by Katerina Mavrangelidou.
The administration of the Cultural and Athletic Association "I Kallithea" expresses its warm thanks to all the associations that participated in the organization and contributed to the success of the festival. Special thanks were extended to the Cultural Association of Agios Georgios, the Association of Asia Minor Descendants of Imathia, and the Association of Cretans of Imathia for their excellent cooperation, the participation of their children's departments, and their contribution to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.
Upon completion of the event, souvenirs were awarded to all participants as a token of appreciation for their attendance. At the same time, all the children received treat bags containing croissants and juice, offered by the host association, concluding a beautiful celebration of tradition, cooperation, and children's creativity in the sweetest way.
PARTICIPATION OF THE MORPHOLOGICAL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION "HE KALLITHEA" IN THE TRADITIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL IN KALAMPAKI, DRAMA
The Cultural Athletic Association of Veria "He Kallithea" participated in the 18th Children's Festival of Traditional Dances, which took place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Kalampaki, Drama, as part of the "Cultural May 2026" events.
The children's and youth groups of the association attended the cultural events titled "The May Feasts," performing Pontian dances and winning the warm applause of the audience.
The event was hosted at the welcoming venue of Hotel Achillion Palace, bringing together dance groups and cultural associations from various regions in a celebration dedicated to tradition, music, and dance.
The musical accompaniment featured Gefsi Stafyllidou on the lyre, Iordanis Tsolakis on the angeion, and Thanasis Papatheodorou on the daouli.
VOLUNTARY BLOOD DRIVE OF LOVE AND OFFERING BY "KALLITHEA" OF VERIA
With the slogan "Save a life, every drop counts," the Cultural Athletic Association "He Kallithea" carried out an important voluntary blood drive and awareness campaign for bone marrow and hematopoietic cell donation on Sunday, May 17, at the association's offices in Veria.
The initiative was dedicated to May 19th, the Remembrance Day of the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontus, combining memory with the offering of life to fellow human beings in a deeply symbolic way.
Parallel to the blood donation, an informational campaign and registrations of new members took place, joining the large group of love of the Volunteer Bone Marrow and Hematopoietic Cell Donors of the Prefecture of Imathia.
Citizens had the opportunity to receive detailed information about the donation process and register on the volunteer donor list, substantially contributing to the hope and treatment of people who fight their own daily battles.
Through a simple, safe, but extremely important process, every blood offering and every new volunteer registration can prove invaluable, giving strength and hope to fellow human beings in need.
The campaign was carried out in cooperation with the Blood Donation Department of the General Hospital of Veria, with the contribution of Theofilos Ch. Koupidis, as well as Christina Koupidou and Natasa Koupidou, who contributed decisively to the flawless organization and implementation of the blood drive.
The public's response proved once again that voluntary offering and solidarity remain living values in the local community of Veria.
HONORARY EVENT FOR MOTHERS ORGANIZED BY M.A.S. "HE KALLITHEA" OF VERIA
A special and deeply moving event dedicated to Mother's Day was organized by the Cultural Athletic Association "He Kallithea" of Veria on Sunday, May 10, at the association's offices.
Members and friends of the association attended to honor mothers and motherhood in a beautiful celebration filled with emotion, memories, and traditional sounds.
The keynote speaker of the event was the educator Alexandra (Alexia) Panteli, a member and friend of the association, who spoke about the timeless role of the mother and particularly the Pontian mother, emphasizing her contribution, strength, and sacrifice throughout the centuries.
A welcoming address was delivered by the president of M.A.S. "He Kallithea," Kostas Topalidis.
In her speech, Ms. Panteli noted, among other things: "On Sunday, May 10, mothers and motherhood are honored. Today we honor the modern mother, the woman who balances a thousand roles, who works, cares, creates, and at the same time finds the courage to smile and embrace her children. A mother's contribution is invaluable and her role as the pillar of our society is decisive. Mother is the first word a child speaks and the word we call upon in every difficult moment.
The Pontian mother was a sacred and respected figure in Pontus, the root and the trunk of the family. Untiring, dynamic, and giving, with immense reserves of love, compassion, and strength. In the difficult times of the persecutions and the Genocide, she stood like a rock, caring for children, the elderly, and the helpless. The mother of uprooting and refuge is a mother who is a fighter and a winner of life."
The event closed musically with young musicians of the association performing the Pontian song "He mana en kryo nero" (Mother is cold water). Gefsi Stafyllidou was on the lyre, Iordanis Tsolakis on the daouli, and Nikos Sidiropoulos on vocals.
In a festive and emotional atmosphere, the attendees enjoyed coffee and treats prepared by women members of the association, conversed in a pleasant environment, and upon their departure, small flower pots were offered to the mothers as a symbolic gift of love and appreciation.