Bridges: Traditional Dance United the Mediterranean in Alexandria
The initiative under the title “Bridges”used traditional dance as a vehicle and opened the intercultural dialogue uniting the Mediterranean.
By bringing together the power of traditional dance, “Bridges” launched a vibrant intercultural exchange that connected the Mediterranean region. The event was hosted at the Greek Community of Alexandria, in collaboration with the Egyptian organization KEMET and with the support of the Anna Lindh Foundation. “Bridges” are part of the events for Alexandria – Mediterranean Capital of Dialogue and Culture 2025, within the framework of the program “From Euromed to Med Capitals: Alexandria Edition 2025.”
Traditional Dance Performance
Friday, 14 November 2025
In the fully packed Ioulia Salvagou Theatre, offered by the Greek Community of Alexandria, an impressive and deeply emotional evening unfolded, showcasing dance groups of Greeks, Egyptians, and Egyptiots (Greek-Egyptians).
Participating groups:
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Folk Dance Ensemble of Thessaloniki Municipality Greece
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Folk Dance Group of Averof High School of Alexandria
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Egyptian Dance Association KEMET
The evening reached its climax with a moving finale: dancers from all three groups—Greeks, Egyptians, and Egyptiots (Greek-Egyptians)—took the stage together, dancing arm in arm to the same rhythms, sending a powerful message of unity and cultural coexistence.
The hall was filled well beyond capacity, with many spectators standing throughout the performance. The audience responded enthusiastically, with continuous applause and lively participation, creating an atmosphere of celebration.
Official Guests
The event was honored by the presence of:
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Representatives of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II
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Archimandrite Athanasios
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The Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, Ioannis Pyrgakis, and his wife Katerina
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The President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafeiadis
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The Deputy Secretary General, Dimitrios Kavouras
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The Hellenic Navy Liaison in Alexandria, Captain Chrysostomos Ragos, and his wife Elli
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The President of ENOA and Ptolemaios I, Lilika Thlivitou
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The Director of the Greek Community Schools, Georgios Boulos
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The Principal of the Averofeio High School, Afroditi Peveretou
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The Principal of the Tzitzaios Pratsikeios School, Amanda Nikolakopoulou
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Representatives of the Anna Lindh Foundation
Also present were teachers of the community schools, staff of the Consulate, members of the Greek community, Alexandrians, and many Egyptian friends of culture.
Greek Traditional Dance Workshop
Saturday, 15 November 2025
The following day, in a hall provided by the Greek Community of Alexandria, a Greek Traditional Dance Workshop took place. More than 70 Egyptians—men and women—participated with great enthusiasm, far surpassing expectations.
Interest in Greek dance proved so strong that many attendees asked for weekly classes to be established.
Beyond the steps and the music, the most significant outcome of the workshop was that Greeks and Egyptians came closer together, communicating through the universal language of art and dance.
A Strong Message for Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue
Through the medium of traditional dance, the “Bridges” initiative highlighted the power of cultural exchange and the ability of art to bring communities and peoples together. At the same time, it significantly strengthened Euro-Mediterranean dialogue by further promoting cultural relations between Greece and Egypt.
Most importantly, it conveyed a meaningful message: intercultural dialogue through art fosters genuine channels of communication between peoples and communities, sending messages of peace and building bridges of coexistence and reconciliation
Take a taste of the events here
