Cretan Traditional Carols, known as Kálanta, are essential to the island’s holiday festivities, steeped in a rich historical tapestry and imbued with soothing, melodious cadences. These carols stand as a treasured Cretan tradition, often brought to life by ensembles of vocalists who journey to residences and public arenas, spreading seasonal cheer.
The verses of Kálanta frequently echo religious motifs, painting vivid tableaus of the Nativity and the life of Jesus Christ through the medium of poetic lyricism. In a musical sense, Kálanta are distinguished by their evocative vocal harmonies, frequently accompanied by traditional Cretan musical instruments such as the lyra and lute. The melodies of these carols exude a sense of exuberance and elation, mirroring the jubilant spirit of the holiday season within Cretan culture.
Kálanta performances often intertwine with lively dances, infusing the festivities with a vivacious, communal ambience. The tradition of Kálanta encapsulates a profound essence of heritage and community, uniting individuals of all ages in the joyous revelry of the holiday season.
If you want to listen to Cretan Kálanta, you can find the Κρητικά κάλαντα (Cretan Christmas Carols) on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.
Find below the translation of a Cretan Kálanta, Ena ine t’ aidoni, by Antonis Martsakis:
One, one is the nightingale Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Two, two andama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Three, three the Holy Trinity Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Four, four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Five, five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Six, six are the Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Seven, seven days a week There are six Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Eight, eight-headed octopus Seven days a week There are six Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Nine. nine months the woman Octopus octopus Seven days a week There are six Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Ten, ten are the Saints ten Nine months the woman Octopus octopus Seven days a week There are six Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Eleven, eleven our chords Ten are the ten Saints Nine months the woman Octopus octopus Seven days a week There are six Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Twelve, twelve Apostles Our eleven chords Ten are the ten Saints Nine months the woman Octopus octopus Seven days a week There are six Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Thirteen misfortunes Twelve Apostles Our eleven chords Ten are the ten Saints Nine months the woman Octopus octopus Seven days a week There are six Archangels Five fingers on the hand Four legs the cow The Holy Trinity is three Two adama partridges One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage One is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage Two out of four And one of the two Two out of four And one of the two And half of one And half of one It was me for you It was me for you One, one is the nightingale. Singing, baby, singing, the nightingale in the cage