The main traditional instruments of Leros are:

Tsampuna or Tsambuna: A predecessor of the bagpipe, this is made out of a goats stomach and its a difficult instrument to play as it can only produce 6 notes. Therefore it requires great skill and lots of practise in order to master.

Tsantouri or Santouri: Made of pine or walnut wood this instrument has a very sweet and unique sound.

The Lerian Lyra: Although originally of Cretan influence it has a slightly different sound from that of the Cretan or Pontiaki Lyra. In my opinion the main difference is the box which is wider than other Lyras, I could be wrong though....

There are other instruments also used such as the violin, laouto, accordion, but the three described above are the main traditional musical instruments of Leros.

Songs of Leros

Wedding songs are known as pastika, also xenastrefa are songs that are meant to tease each other and are often used playfully at festivals. There are also about 5 or 6 Nanourismata (lullabies) that I have heard of, but I guess there must be more.

I think I am about to start singing....: Aaahhiii potes a Niksoume Pania na katso sto temoni, na do tis Leros ta vouna na mou diavoun oi ponoi..... this is an extract of another version of Prutzos.

(Attempted translation: When shall we set sail? So that I ll stand by the helm... to see the Lerian mountains and all my ailments will go away...)

I strongly recommend this CD as it has a booklet (see picture) with explanations about the songs and it is written both in the Greek and English languages.