The most traditional element of music in Zakynthos Zante in the
Greek Islands is the singing of
the local Kandathes - these are folk songs, and very often love songs.
When Kandathes are sung by the people of Zakynthos they are beautiful
and harmonious.
If you really want to experience a traditional Zante taverna while on
holiday in Zakynthos, with Kandathes being serenaded to you while you
eat, you should try Arekia Taverna in Zakynthos Town.
Located on the
right hand side of the main port road, as you head out of Zante Town
towards Tsilivi, this is one of the most famous traditional style
tavernas in Zakynthos. Here at the Arekia taverna in the summer you can
sit outside under the stars on the traditional Zakynthian bench tables.
Food is served in traditional style, accompanied by traditional live
singing of the Kandathes, with mandolin and guitar music and lyrical
singing.
Greek traditional folk music includes various styles. Apart from the
common music found all around Greece, there are distinct types of folk
music, sometimes related to the history or simply the taste of the
specific places.
The Ionian Islands, of which Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the most
southern island, are well known for the traditional music called
Kantadhes, Kandathes. These are traditional songs based on the popular
Italian style of the early 19th century.
Kandathes, Kantadhes are very often performed by three male singers
accompanied by mandolin or guitar in Zakynthos.
These romantic songs developed mainly in Kefallonia in the early 19th
century. Kandathes spread throughout Greece after the liberation of
Greece. An Athenian form of Kandathes arose, accompanied by violin,
clarinet and laouto. However, the style is accepted as uniquely Ionian.
The island of Zante has a diverse musical history. Strong influences
from Venice, Crete and elsewhere have permeated the local song of
Zakynthos. A mandolin is usually accompanied by guitar when the
Kandathes are sung in Zakynthos. Mandolins are musical instrument in the
lute family and they are either plucked, or strummed. Mandolins descend
from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family.
Every song in Zakynthos has its own important place in the history of
the island of Zante, especially the Kandathes, which can be heard in
evening seranades, and at certain traditional tavernas while you are ion
holiday in Zakynthos.
In Zakynthos all social events involving the local people of
Zakynthos include dance and song. Weddings, baptisms, name days,
festivals and carnivals - all celebrations include dance and song in
which all ages participate.
The most common dance in Zante is the Sirtos. The Sirtos is danced
with a lively rhythm, with accompaniment of musical instruments such as
the tambourine, violin, guitar or accordion. Every village in Zakynthos
has their own version of the Sirtos.
Some ancient dances are also still performed. For example, in the
village of Agios Leon they dance the special Amoiris, depicting an
unlucky woman, unfortunate in her marriage! This dance is performed with
pantomime movements, each depicting moments from the life of the Amoiris,
and her tyrannical husband.
Music and Dance remains an important part of Greek and Zakynthian
culture. Make sure you take time during your holidays in Greece to
experience a touch of this long and rich part of Greek popular history.Coach tours, jeep safaris, and a number of other excursions
operate daily around Zakynthos island so you can make the most of
all the island has to offer. Alternatively, you can also hire a car
or bike in Zante and explore Zakynthos at your own pace!
We are filming a variety of Zante web videos this summer in Zakynthos
which will bring you a wide selection of our favorite accommodations,
sight-seeing, trips in Zante and our selected options of the best
activities and things to do while on holiday in Zante. If you have any
suggestions please email us.
