Reactions to İskeçe Metropolis’ intervention over “PAGAN” at the 2026 Thracian Folklore Festival
Strong reactions have been sparked by the intervention of the Metropolis of İskeçe regarding the inclusion of the music band “PAGAN” in the program of the Thracian Folklore Festival 2026 (ΘΛΕ 2026), scheduled to take place next February.
In a statement, the Metropolis accused the band of giving folk songs a “pagan character” and of altering them to such an extent that they lose their traditional identity. The criticism appears to be based primarily on an interpretation of the band’s name and the clothing worn by its members during performances.
According to the Metropolis’ announcement, which focuses on the origin of the band’s name, it is suggested that “the name of the band indicates a neo-pagan identity, which is also evident from the attire worn during concerts.” The statement further claims that the band’s musical arrangements are not merely intended to make folk music more appealing to young people, but rather to detach it from the Orthodox tradition to which it is “organically connected.”
PAGAN Responds: Name Refers to ‘People of the Countryside’
The band “PAGAN” responded in recent days through a statement on social media, rejecting what they described as the demonization of their name and artistic proposal.
“The demonization of a word, a name, or an artistic expression does not concern us,” the band said. “It concerns the longstanding attempt to impose fear and obscurantism on anything that cannot be easily controlled.”
The band explained that the name PAGAN comes from the Latin word paganus, meaning “a person of the countryside,” and stressed that it carries no religious, ritualistic, or ideological connotation. According to the group, the name symbolizes a contemporary need to return to roots, collective memory, and the shared human core, centered on values such as solidarity, respect, coexistence, and freedom of expression.
While noting that they usually prefer to let their art speak for itself, the band said they felt it was necessary in this case to respond “not to confront, but to restore the truth.”
SYRIZA Condemns the Metropolis’ Statement
The controversy also prompted a reaction from Greece’s opposition party SYRIZA. Phoivos Tsiklias, deputy spokesperson for the party, condemned the Metropolis of İskeçe’s statement, calling it an attempt to restrict artistic freedom.
“Any attempt to limit freedom of artistic expression is condemnable and anachronistic,” Tsiklias said. “Especially when it is done in a superficial and pretextual manner, aimed at creating impressions. Art breaks down walls and builds bridges of dialogue and reconciliation. We will not allow it to be used to cultivate fear and intolerance through practices that take us many years backward.”
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