The koulouria is one of the most important traditions of an Archangelos wedding; it is the first dish served at the wedding banquet, and no wedding in Archangelos is complete without it!
The Koulouria Festival has now become established as one of the major cultural events on our island.
Crowds once again flocked from every corner of Rhodes, filling the courtyard of the Archangelos Junior and Senior High School to capacity. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the traditional feast and took part in an unforgettable celebration.
The evening began with a presentation of the Association’s departments.
The Mandolin-Lute Section performed on stage alongside the Children’s and Youth Choir in a unique tribute to the songs of Archangelos.
This was followed by a performance by the “Aithon” Adult Dance Group.
All the groups, with their outstanding performances, earned the praise and warm applause of the audience.
Once the performances were over, the following artists took the stage:
• Christina Koza, vocals
• Manolis Platis, violin & vocals
• Yiannis Kladakis, lyra & vocals
• Giorgos Papouras, lute & bouzouki
• Tasos Kolios, drums
• Michalis Savvakis, keyboards
who swept the audience away in a unique celebration that lasted until dawn.
It was an evening full of joy and dancing, a one-of-a-kind celebration in both scale and energy.
It was a grand traditional gathering that transformed Archangelos into a meeting place for thousands of visitors!
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS:
-Warm congratulations to all the students of the String Department, the Children’s and Youth Choir, and the dancers of the Adult Dance Department, for their performance at the Koulouria Festival, for their participation in the Association’s programs, for their hard work, and for the dedication and enthusiasm they demonstrate toward our traditions—they are undoubtedly the ones who will carry them forward in the future. Every time they perform, they make us proud!
-We also congratulate and extend our deepest gratitude to the instructors of the Choir & Strings departments, Ms. Christina Koza and Mr. George Papouras, for the love and care they show toward the students, as well as for their remarkable progress.
-We congratulate and extend our deepest thanks to our dance instructor, Mr. Merkouris Salonikios, for his dedication to the dance classes.
-We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the parents for allowing their children to participate in the Association’s classes and activities.
-We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the performers for their outstanding performances and for the wonderful evening they gave us.
-We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the citizens who always turn out in droves to support the events and activities of “AITHONAS”!
-We wholeheartedly thank all the VOLUNTEERS who, once again, were there, gave their very best, and contributed in every way to the flawless organization of the event.
-We extend our warmest thanks to Father Nektarios Pokkias and the THARRI television station for filming the event.
-We thank the Region of South Aegean and the Municipality of Rhodes—Department of Culture—for co-organizing this grand celebration.
-We would like to thank the Municipal Community of Archangelos for its support and assistance.
-We would like to thank the staff of the Archangelos Municipal Community for their help, and especially the electrician, Mr. Fotis Giorgas.
-We would like to thank the principals of the middle school, high school, and evening high school for providing the venue.
-We would like to thank Mr. Minas Lenti for handling the sound.
We would like to thank the sponsors of the celebration:
• SAVVAS – Event Hall
• KO.RA. (Nikolaos Kolios – Ice Cream Manufacturer)
• TBC Triantafillou Business Consulting
• Radio Archangelos – 94.1
• Loukas Chatzinikolas Photography
• INFITECH – Networking & Technology Solutions
• G2 Photography – Giannis Giannis
-Thank you to all our sponsors for the wonderful raffle prizes!
-We would also like to thank:
• the Malona Cultural Association “O FERAKLOS,”
• the non-profit consortium “MY PEFKOS,”
• Iakovos Taralis – Jack’s Bar Stegna,
• Nikolaos Koza – Tires & Tire Repair,
• Antonis Matsigos – Beverage Store,
• and the “TO STEKI” Restaurant,
for providing logistical support and equipment.
-We thank all local media outlets for covering the Association’s activities.
-We thank everyone who helps and supports “AITHONA” in every way.
