Carnival in Eastern Macedonia

DRAMA

At the location KALI VRYSSI, figures called "Babouyeri" (very old men) carry sacks full of ashes. When the fun gets going, the sacks and their contents are thrown over passers-by.
The BEY is a mature man with a moustache, dressed in furs, with his face reddened. He wears a wealth of jewelry, a black fez and boots, and is equipped with a staff, pistols and a nargileh (hookah waterpipe).
The purpose of the performance was to satirise the Turkish occupation and the poverty of that period.
Municipality of Drama: Tel.: 25210 48304-5

SERRES

Kalogeros (The Monk) is another Thracian custom which takes place in the village of St Eleni. This festivity is presented by Anastenarides. But this time, mimes also participate, making up the troupe: the King, the Prince, the halter maker, the Monk, the bride, the decrepit woman with the premature baby, the gypsies with the bear and the guards (Kouroutzides).
After the troupe has visited the entire village, the inhabitants gather in the square, where two important events take place: the preparation of a symbolic field for the sowing and the scene of the Monk's death and resurrection.
When the Monk's resurrection is announced, the troupe starts dancing in a circle, round the symbolic field, with the King as the leader of the dance. After the end of the dance an Anastenaris gives his blessing to the people who start leaving.
This Thracian religious festival also includes elements of the ancient Dionyssian rituals.
Municipality of Serres: Tel.: 23210 22260