The Tranos Choros or grand dance and the Syrrako festival are Greek celebrations dedicated to the commemoration of the Virgin Mary's Dormition.
August 15th is traditionally celebrated in orthodox communities of both Vlasti and Syrrako during the period after wintering in lowland pastures. This is when the nomadic herders were back in their highland communities of origin. The traditions mark the annual reunion of shepherds and their animals.
Most highland communities have seen their populations decline greatly over time. Today, festivals are associated with the reunion of highland communities whose members have migrated to cities, despite the substantial decline in population. Both festivals feature ritualistic dances as their main feature. A large open circle of dancers of all ages forms for the Tranos Choros in Vlasti, while cappella music is sung while dancers hold hands, rhythmically singing and dancing. Instruments are not used to accompany this rhythm. One of the most prominent festival features is dancing, which is preserved by the company of musicians and singers who know the "ethos and style" of Syrrako, Ioannina.
As children watch their elders and their preparations, they learn the customs of their communities. Moreover, cultural organizations today also play a key role in the transmission of dances and cultural context. It is viewed as a time for younger generations to connect with their heritage by celebrating both villages' identities. During the festival, older villagers have the opportunity to speak their native language, Vlach, which is slowly disappearing.
According to Lina Mendoni, the Minister of Culture and Sports, traditional celebrations, such as Panigiria, are ritualistic cultural expressions, which establish bonds between communities. A dance event in the highlands of Vlasti and Syrrako signifies the symbolic re-establishment of two mountain communities. Despite a dwindling population, these dances continue to renew their relationships year after year. Syrrako and Vlasti celebrate their August 15th celebrations as a way to celebrate their strong ties to their highland origins. This is to reaffirm their eternal relationship, which binds them together as a community.
Intangible cultural heritage has played a major role in strengthening the social cohesion and identity of small highland communities facing the challenges of immigration and urbanization. This is according to a dossier prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, which has been praised for its excellence. As a result of participating in Tranos Choros and Syrrako, young generations are introduced to their community's collective identity and cultural memory.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/august-15th-dekapentavgoustos-festivities-in-two-highland-communities-of-northern-greece-tranos-choros-grand-dance-in-vlasti-and-syrrako-festival-01726) (https://www.xpatathens.com/living-in-athens/what-s-new/greece-in-the-news/item/9371-greek-music-festivals-recognized-as-unesco-s-intangible-cultural-heritage) (https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2022/12/06/new-addition-to-the-unesco-list-of-the-intangible-cultural-heritage/)