GREECE

The National Section CIOFF® Greece was officially founded in 1990. Over the years, cultural associations, dance groups, philharmonic bands, organizations and individuals (artisans, craftsmen, folklore researchers and dance professors and teachers) from various cities and regions became members of the National Section. Today, there are 9 National and International Folklore Festivals in CIOFF® Greece and some others in cooperation. In 1997 CIOFF® Greece organized the CIOFF® World Congress in Thessaloniki and in the past has hosted Sector's Meetings in Greece. In 2023 the National Section CIOFF® Greece in collaboration with the Ionian University and the Cultural Association of Sinies Corfu and with the support of Ministries and Local Authorities, organized the flagship Festival of the South European Sector, the Festival of Mediterranean Cultures in Corfu, which was organized in support of the 20th anniversary of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention. Since 2013 there is an active Greek CIOFF® Youth Commission. CIOFF® Greece is part of the Greek Network of Living Heritage (is a network with associations related with Intangible Cultural Heritage in Greece) and is cooperating with the Ministry of Culture. Moreover, CIOFF® Greece has a strong cooperation with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Department of Physical Education & Sport Science and organize research on Festivals and groups. Every year, CIOFF® Greece organizes a General Assembly and other activities, such as cultural conferences, projects, forums, seminars etc. in collaboration with the authorities, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and CIOFF® Greece Members. CIOFF® Greece National Section is leaded by a 7-member Board.