It is a popular Greek folk dance throughout Greece, Cyprus and internationally and is often performed at many social gatherings worldwide.
Homer, in the Iliad, describes three performances made around the spear of Achilles that depict a dance in an open circle.
An especially haunting example of the kalamatianos, Mekapses Yitonissa (Μέκαψες Γειτόνισσα), was recorded for the National Geographic Society's groundbreaking Music of Greece album, released in 1968.
The 1960s popular singer, formerly known as Cat Stevens, wrote and performed a song, Ruby Love, in 78 time with a distinctive Greek flavour.
Near the end of the 2002 film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the cast dances the kalamatianos to the song "Ωραία που είναι η νύφη μας" (Orea Pou Ine I Nifi Mas/How Wonderful Is Our Bride) at Ian and Toula's wedding reception.