2020 FDF Minoan Dancers 2, Intermediate, final

2020 FDF in Anaheim
Co-directed by Achilleas Fourakis
Dances: Lazotis, Sousta, Rethymniotikos Syrtos, Pidichtos, Trizalis, Maleviziotis
Musicians: Giorgos Frantzeskakis (violin), Giorgos Stratakis (laouto)
Award: 1st Place, Advanced Senior Category

The setting is the Custom of Klidonas taking place in a village of central Crete, Rethymno area. In Crete the Custom of Klidonas is celebrated on June 24th, the feast day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. It is believed that during the custom of Klidonas unmarried girls will see who their future husbands will be. Another custom is the burning of the flower wreaths that were made on May 1st. A big fire is lit with the mayday wreaths and villagers jump over them three times. On the eve of the feast day unmarried girls gather and one named Maria, who is first born with both parents living, is sent to bring the "silent water" (αμίλιτο νερό). She and a friend carry a clay pot (stamna) and must be silent. If they laugh or talk while carrying the water they have to go back to start over. When they get back each girl puts an object in the stamna called rizikaria (ριζικάρια). The stamna is covered with a red cloth, tied with a cord and Maria places a large key on top. The stamna is left over night in the starlight and the girls hope to dream of their future spouses that night. After the Klidonas, a big feast and panigyri is enjoyed by all.