Traditional Greek Christmas carols are a core element of the festive season and of Greece’s folk religious heritage, with a particularly strong presence during the Twelve Days of Christmas. Among them, Cretan carols stand out for their distinctive musical character and their close connection to the island’s cultural identity.

Preserved in the ERT Archive is a rare audiovisual document from 1974, recording the teaching of the Cretan Christmas carol “Christ Is Born Today” (“Christós gennátai símero”) to a children’s choir, accompanied by a traditional orchestra. The footage comes from a rehearsal by students of the co-ed high school of Estia Neas Smyrnis, filmed at Domna Samiou’s home in Nea Smyrni.

Cretan Carols – Domna Samiou (Lesson with Children)

The lesson is led by Domna Samiou, one of the most important figures in Greek traditional music, whose contribution to the preservation and dissemination of Greece’s folk musical heritage has been decisive. Musical accompaniment is provided by Antonis Peristeris on the Cretan lyra and Petros Karbadakis on the lute (laouto).

These carols were released the same year on the album “Greek Carols” (1974), which remains a landmark recording to this day.

Source: ERT