PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the popular Greek song "Ellada, Hora Tou Fotos" (Ελλάδαώρα Του Φωτός), which was sung by Keti Garbi. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

Song lyrics are provided for educational purposes. If you like the song, please purchase either the album or a download from an authorized source.

About this Song

This was selected to be featured in the Eurovision competition where Keti Garbi represented Greece, in 1993. It's a nice, upbeat song that's not too depressing, yet political at the same time!

All the political Greek songs apply to the way the European Union has ruthlessly behaved toward the Greek nation — but, of course, it depends on the era.

If Performing Belly Dance for Greek Independence Celebrations

I have seen belly dancers use the Greek flag as a prop… including Greek-American belly dancers. In my opinion, this is unacceptable and disrespectful. The flag should not be used as a dance prop in the way belly dancers might use a veil in performances. Nor should one be lying or sitting on it!

If dancing in a Greek venue for Greeks (to recorded music), if you want to pay homage to the country on a national holiday, you could include a political song like this one on your playlist while you're backstage, before you enter. However, it's possible the audience won't realize you are the person who chose the song for their benefit.

You could alternatively enter waving the Greek flag, holding it in your hand on its pole, then carefully hand it to someone to take away before your set begins. With this approach, the audience realizes you're showing your knowledge and respect for the importance of the national holiday! I have used this method many times in my shows. It's greatly appreciated!

Do not ever put the flag on the ground!

About Keti Garbi

Keti Garbi is the stage name for Ekaterini Garbi, the original artist who recorded this song. She has been considered a queen of Laiko & Greek pop styles of music. She robbed the cradle by marrying her younger colleague Dionisis Shinas (Διονύσης Σχοινάς).

Keti Garbi rose to fame in the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest, taking ninth place. She became one of the most successful Greek artists of the 1990's. She achieved great commercial success with the album To Kati, which was released in 2000. She has won 11 Pop Corn Music Awards (including 3 for Album of the Year) and one Arion Music Award.

Song: Ellada, Hora Tou Fotos (Greece, Land of The Light), 1993

Lyrics: Dimosthenis Stringlis

Music: Dimosthenis Stringlis

Original Artist: Keti Garbi

Dance Style: Belly Dance

Album: Os Ton Paradiso (All The Way To Heaven)

Τραγούδι: Ελλάδα Xώρα Του Φωτός, 1993

Στίχοι: Δημοσθένης Στριγκλής

Μουσική: Δημοσθένης Στριγκλής

Πρώτη Εκτέλεση: Καίτη Γαρμπή

Χορός: Οριεντάλ, Χορό Της Κοιλιάς, Ανατολίτικος Χορός, Τσιφτετέλι, Χανούμικο, Κελικός Χορός

Άλμπουμ: Ως Τον Παράδεισο