Lyrics Folklore, 1910s, unknown author Music Traditional from Macedonia | ||
Famous Macedonia (Greek: Μακεδονία ξακουστή, Makedonía xakustí) is a military march, often regarded as the unofficial anthem of the Greek region of Macedonia, and used by the Hellenic Army since the Balkan Wars.
It is associated with the Makedhonomáhi (Macedonian fighters and/or fighters for Macedonia) in "Macedonian Struggle" and can be heard on parades and national anniversaries.
Until the recent introduction of 24-hour programming, it also marked the end of radio programs on the local Macedonian channel ("Radio-Makedonia 102FM"), played before the Greek national anthem.
According to Greek Army's website it is a military march (εμβατήριο) based on the traditional "Macedonian Dance" (Μακεδονικός Χορός) which is related with Akrites of Byzantium.
It is written in Dorian scale, in iambic 15-syllable (ιαμβικός δεκαπεντασύλλαβος). The beat is 2/4 and it can be danced as a chassapiko (χασάπικο). It can be performed in conjunction with the Makedonia dance. In addition, the text refers to Alexander the Great, who is the progenitor of the Greek Macedonians.
Lyrics of the Macedonian Anthem
The original version of the song contained an additional fourth stanza. There were two minor differences in the preserved lyrics as well - instead of "barbarians", it had been sung that "Bulgarians" are driven away, in some version it's "tyranny" are driven away, and the verse "κι εμείς θα σ'αντικρύζουμε, ελεύθερη και πάλι!" ("and we will be looking at you with pride again!") had been originally "κι εμείς τα Ελληνόπουλα, σου πλέκουμε στεφάνι!" ("and we, the Sons of Greece, plait you a crown").
Audio Samples
Makedonia ksakusti Makedonia ksakusti by Military Band