Carnival in Central Macedonia

NAOUSSA

During the days of carnival, townspeople relive the traditional custom called "BOULAS" and that of the "JANISSARY" - GENITSAROS. There is a parade with traditional and satirical costumes. The history of the dance group goes back to 1705. In that year the people of Naoussa honoured the memory of their young fellow-citizens, who fell in the struggle against the Turks. They appear during carnival dressed in the uniforms of the freedom-fighters with wax masks and breastplates made out of thousands of silver coins. The costumes, the music and the dances are all authentic and have been handed down from generation to generation without any modern influences. The dance troupes, accompanied by the town band, dance in the streets and in many of the taverns, where they are treated to the local wine, apples and other food. These events begin in the morning and continue until late into the night.
Municipality of Naoussa: Tel.: 23380 29800

NEAPOLIS (THESSALONIKI)

The carnival celebrations start on Tsiknopempti, with concerts, theatrical performances, parties for children, carnival games and traditional dances from all over Greece.
The most important of all is the party at the Open Air Municipal Theatre of Neapolis, where people sing, dance and eat traditional carnival food (entrance free) from the morning until late at night.
Municipality of Neapolis: Tel.: 2310 62077

POLYGYROS (HALKIDIKI)

Carnival celebrations were established in Polygyros many decades ago. Nowadays, they last 12 days.
The spirit of the Polygyros Carnival, like most of festivities throughout Greece, can be traced back to antiquity.
During the carnival, local delicacies such as fine wines, sausages, traditional halva and pies are served free of charge.
Municipality of Polygyros: Tel.: 23710 22619