The Kalamatianos is the most important and popular dance in Greece today. It is commonly danced at weddings and other celebrations all around Greece. Although it is an important dance today, its roots can be traced to ancient Greece. Homer mentions it in the Iliad and it is described in Theokritos account of the marriage of Helen and Meneleus.
By the nineteenth century, the Kalamatianos was being danced all
around greece. Many people believe the Kalamatianos is named for
Kalamata, its city of origin. However, there is evidence to suggest that
it was named for the famous silk handkerchiefs that were manufactured
there at the time. The handkerchiefs of Kalamata were prized, and were
often given as a symbol of love. They were also used to separate the
hands of dancers at a time when being seen holding hands could cause
a scandal in the village.
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