Carnival in Sterea Ellada
AMFISSA
Legends about ghosts are very common in this part of Greece. It is said that the ghosts are the souls of people or animals who have been killed and that they wander around the area. The most popular of all is the Ghost of Harmaina. This one loved and protected the "Tambakides" (tanners) whose work forced them to be near the waters day and night. Many people swear that they have seen this ghost walking at night all over the town and the spring nearby where it disappeared. Some of the older people believe that the Ghost of Harmaina used to walk every Saturday night; it would come down from the Brook of Kolokythou and wander across the streets, moaning and rattling its chains.
During the last week-end of the carnival, the legend of the Ghost is re-enacted in Amfissa. Somebody disguised as the ghost of Harmaina, accompanied by people wearing carnival costumes, follow the course of the legendary ghost.
Debates of satirical nature are held in the town's historical coffee shop. Their main subject is of course the ghost and its legend.
Municipality of Amfissa: Tel.: 22650 28913, 22650 28233
GALAXIDI
During the carnival period (Triodion), most inhabitants of Galaxidi wander about the streets dressed in carnival costumes.
In every neighbourhood, people light large fires, to dance, eat, drink and have fun.
The inhabitants of Galaxidi do not attack each other with streamers, confetti and other carnival "ammunition", but they prefer to sprinkle their fellow citizens with flour instead. This is a very old custom, which started in 1801 and survived up to these days. At that time, citizens of Galaxidi, despite the Turkish occupation, wanted to celebrate the carnival, to dance and have fun. They used to dance in circles, one for the ladies, the other for men. Most of them had masks on their face, or they just painted them black. As years went by, they added the habit of throwing flour or other fine powder at eachother. All locals participate in this custom.
The Carnival of Galaxidi is very lively and colourful. People keep the regional carnival customs with respect.
Municipality of Galaxidi: Tel.: 22650 41319
THIVA
The main celebration here is the "Vlach's Wedding" every year on Ash Monday, which begins on the morning of the first day of Lent. It's an old custom started in 1830. The spectacle is unique because of the colourful wedding parade and the accompanying traditional music (bag pipes and tabors).
Municipality of Thiva: Tel.: 22620 89725
LIVADIA
On the last Sunday of carnival, the "Friends of the Livadia Carnival" organise each year an event called the "maypole" (Gaitanaki), which is supported by the local Municipality. It's a tradition kept since the Second World War. During recent years, the custom was revived.
Each part of the city prepares a separate maypole. People wear carnival costumes and form a parade. Then they meet at the central square of the city where they join their maypoles and dance around them.
Each year, many other special events are added to the carnival festivities. They include competitions, a football match between teams of old ladies, the presentation of typical carnival scenes, a singing competition (for carnival songs of the region with a comic and satirical content) a competition of mimes, dancing, singing, etc.
Municipality of Leivadia: Tel.: 22610 25330
All information provided on this website is checked regularly and updated accordingly.
|
