“Que te la pongo� in Greece
1. Patra
Carnival is one of the most popular worldwide, and, indeed, one of the most popular! He started from the 19th century from a simple carnival dance and gradually evolved into one of the biggest happenings in the city.
What could you see that period in Patra??? i)Domino: Queens wear black long dominoes and they have the opportunity to choose the leader for the dance.
II) The burning of the Carnival iii) "Bourboulia", which is a combination of frantic dance and mystery, as its participants keep a secret identity. iv) Competitions like caricature contest, street theater and pantomime.
The opening ceremony of the Carnival takes place in the main square where the town crier gives the starting sign. The events culminate in the grand parade last Sunday of Carnival.
2. Rethymnon
Rethymnon’s Carnival is one of the most important in Greece. Every year is organized with enthusiasm and it it an ideal attraction" for visitors from all over
the world. The main streets of Rethymno are appropriately decorated and promise a non stop party.
The most famous customs of the local Carnival include:
i)
In the central square is given the starting signal and automatically fills the sky balloons and fireworks. There, you will see chariots, wagons, humorous costumes and all kinds marching.
ii)
The hunting of the hidden treasure which brings together about 70 groups and the preparation of the year-round. The organizing team is preparing puzzles and obstacles that make life difficult for the hunters.
iii)
The custom of "Rapture of the bride, in which the role of the bride and groom are disguised men who hold with them a doll - baby, painted with a mustache " like "the groom.
iv)
“Camel" which is made from animal skull and two people running stoop in large woven fabrics, creating a grotesque quadruped, which the others vainly trying to tame.
3. Naousa
The custom "Janissaries and Boules"
At Sunday of Carnival, under the beep sounds of tabor and zurna, a mob of "janissaries" is wanders the streets of the city and their final destination is the town hall, where the celebration culminates. In the rhythmic sound of stun the Bulls out the window and the body characteristic rhythmic movements to ring the hanging chest of coins, greets the mob and shortly after descending down, incorporated in the crowd and together continue the tour until take the next Bulls. In this way. It is formed a grand procession of people of all ages to participate in the revival of the custom.
4. Corfu
Carnival of Corfu has venetian and ancient influences and it is well- known for the following traditions:
i)The last Sunday of Carnival, the crier comes to town with the "Ordino" at hand and proclaims the arrival of Sior Carnival. Firstly, he reads aloud the covenant and seconldly people burn the Carnival.
ii) In some villages of Corfu respect the customs of "Korfiati’s marriage" and "Dance of the priests."
5. Galaxidion
“War with flour” It has started as a tradition since 1801. The custom dates back to the Turkish occupation, and in those years, although Galaxidi was under the Turkish occupation, the people were waiting for Carnival to have fun and dance in circles. Created a circle for women and an other for men. They wore masks or simply painted their faces with charcoal. Then they added flour, indigo, polish shoes, and ocher. In this “war” involves all regardless of age.