The Cultural-Ecological-Athletic Association of Kerkini, Serres was founded in 1989 by Yannis Reklos, a man who knew the lake intimately. It was the first organized effort to raise awareness among locals about the incredible natural wealth that Lake Kerkini represents. Since then, the association has been at the forefront of wetland protection while simultaneously nurturing cultural heritage and athletic activity in the region. Today, Lake Kerkini is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland, a Natura 2000 site, and since 2006 has been designated a National Park — a distinction that owes much to the vision and persistence of our association.
Ramsar Wetland
Natura 2000 Site
National Park (2006)
Activities
Our Activities
Cultural Activities
Traditional dances, music, events, and preservation of Macedonia's rich cultural heritage. Pontian and traditional Greek dance lessons for all ages.
The minors group introduces children and teenagers to Pontian dance tradition through safe, friendly, and team-based instruction. Participants learn basic steps, rhythms, posture, and the meaning behind the dances, while building discipline, cooperation, and appreciation for the cultural heritage of Pontus.
ScheduleThursday, 19:301 hour
InstructorMaria Papadopoulou
LocationCultural Association Hall
AgesMinors
Cultural
Pontian Traditional Dances — Adults Group
The adults group is for anyone who wants to discover Pontian traditional dances or improve their technique. Each lesson combines step practice, rhythm training, teamwork, and context about the history and social meaning of each dance, creating a lively space for expression, movement, and participation in tradition.
ScheduleThursday, 20:301 hour
InstructorMaria Papadopoulou
LocationCultural Association Hall
AgesAdults
Gallery
Photo Gallery
Our dance group in traditional costumes at an evening eventVolunteer cleanup of the Lake Kerkini shore with the association's childrenA grass wrestling bout during a local village festivalAssociation members in traditional Macedonian costumesCanoeing activity on the waters of Lake KerkiniCostumed revellers at the Kerkini carnival paradeThe association's children's choir at a cultural eventHorse riding in the Kerkini area against the mountain backdropTraditional dance at an evening cultural eventYoung volunteers at the Kerkini lakesideAward ceremony for the association's athletes after a tournamentThe children's dance group during a performanceA costumed group at the carnival festivitiesA canoeing outing on the waters of the Kerkini areaPontic dances by the association's dance groupAssociation members in local costumes at a celebrationA cycling outing with the association's childrenA traditional circle dance at an evening eventGroup photo from the carnival festivitiesAn awards night for athletic activitiesYoung dancers in foustanella costumes at a performanceChildren's carnival costumes at the association's eventsA chain folk dance at an open-air eventMoments from the village carnival paradeThe children's dance group in local costumesThe association's youth at the carnival festivities
News
News & Announcements
Pontian Dance Classes for Minors Are Starting
The minors group starts every Thursday at 19:30, taught by Maria Papadopoulou.
Pontian Dance Classes for Adults Are Starting
The adults group starts every Thursday at 20:30, taught by Maria Papadopoulou.
7th Gathering of Kerkini People
The 7th Gathering of Kerkini People takes place on Saturday, August 16, at Kerkini Primary School, after 21:00.
Holy Spirit Three-Day Festival Program
The program for Sunday, June 8, and Monday, June 9, includes sports races, icon procession, traditional dances, and horse rides.
Invitation to the Holy Spirit Three-Day Festival
The association invites the community to the Holy Spirit Three-Day Festival in Kerkini, from June 7 to 9, 2025.
Folk-Pontian Evening for Women's Day
On March 8, the association organizes a folk-Pontian evening dedicated to Women's Day at Morfi restaurant.
Pontian Dance Classes for Minors Are Starting
The Cultural - Ecological - Athletic Association of Kerkini announces the start of the Pontian traditional dance group for minors.
Classes take place every Thursday at 19:30 at the Cultural Association Hall, taught by Maria Papadopoulou. The group gives children and teenagers the opportunity to discover Pontian tradition through dance, rhythm, teamwork, and the joy of participation.
Registrations are open, and the association invites local families to support this new dance initiative.
Pontian Dance Classes for Adults Are Starting
The association announces the start of the Pontian traditional dance group for adults, for anyone who wants to discover, reconnect with, or develop their relationship with Pontian dance tradition.
Classes take place every Thursday at 20:30 at the Cultural Association Hall, taught by Maria Papadopoulou. The program includes step practice, rhythm training, group rehearsal, and an introduction to the historical and social context of the dances.
We invite members and friends of the association to join a lively group that keeps tradition active.
7th Gathering of Kerkini People
The 7th Gathering of Kerkini People will be held on Saturday, August 16, at Kerkini Primary School, after 21:00, for an evening dedicated to meeting, music, and celebration.
The program features Vasilis Rizos, Vasilis Mpatis, and Kostas Siopis. Admission is 4 euros, and attendees can also take part in a draw for a table for four at Gyropoleio tou Mera in Kerkini.
We look forward to gathering again in Kerkini, with live music, good company, and a warm summer atmosphere.
Holy Spirit Three-Day Festival Program
As part of the three-day Holy Spirit Festival in Kerkini, the program continues with activities for all ages.
On Sunday, June 8, sports races take place at 12:00 in Kerkini Central Square, with a bicycle awarded to the winner. At 18:00, the icon procession follows at the Church of Agia Triada, and at 21:00 traditional dances are presented in Kerkini Central Square.
On Monday, June 9, at 12:00, the program concludes with horse rides featuring local horses by the Kerkinitis River. Kerkini celebrates with faith and roots.
Invitation to the Holy Spirit Three-Day Festival
The Cultural - Ecological - Athletic Association of Kerkini is pleased and honored to invite you to the Holy Spirit Three-Day Festival, taking place in Kerkini from June 7 to 9, 2025.
This festive event includes cultural, athletic, and religious activities, highlighting local traditions, community identity, and the active role of our village.
Your presence will be a special honor for the association and will strengthen the significance of this celebration for our place.
Folk-Pontian Evening for Women's Day
The association is organizing a folk-Pontian evening dedicated to Women's Day on March 8 at 21:00, at Morfi restaurant in Kerkini.
The music program features Dimitris Mertzianidis on vocals and lyra, Kostas Siopis on clarinet, Vangelis Intzevidis on vocals and lyra, and Dimitris Makris on drums.
Admission is 4 euros, with an individual meal and 500ml of wine available for 15 euros. For reservations, call 6980 118 463.
Location
Find Us
Our association is based in the picturesque village of Kerkini, at the foothills of Mount Belles, beside the stunning Lake Kerkini. The area is renowned for its unique biodiversity, riparian forests, water lilies, and rich birdlife — a paradise for nature lovers and visitors from around the world.
Cultural
Cultural
