2/10/2006
Arkoudes (bears)

Mina Machairopoulou Source: C.E.T.I. © Eastern Macedonia - Thrace Region

print preview

During the morning of the 8th of January the preparation of the bride – a man is dressed as a woman- and groom begins. It is the couple that participates in the satirical representation of the local marriage.

When the couple gets out of the house and reaches the square along with the other villagers, bears make their appearance –men masqueraded in sheepskins. Every team of bears has a leader, arkoudiaris, who holds the def (membranophone instruement) and creates a joylfuness atmosphere.