Galaxidi Carnival

When the Triodion opens, almost all the habitants of Galaxeidi ,are circulating disguised with carnival costumes in the streets and in stores. One of the established customs of the city is the custom of Clean Monday , making the Carnival of Galaxidi unique and popular . It is the custom “alevromoutzouromata”.

On Clean Monday, in Galakseidi don’t play with streamers and confetti , but play “alevropolemo” ( flour war) with basic material flour. This custom is maintained from 1801 . In those years , even though Galaxeidi was under Turkish occupation, all the people were waiting for Halloween to have fun and dance in circles . One circle for women , one for men. They were wearing masks or simply were painting their faces with charcoal.

Then, added flour, indigo , shoe polish and ocher as well. All participate in the smearings, independent of age. The Carnival in Galakseidi is full of color and liveness and residents maintain their customs and traditions with respect and love.

As it is said, the idea for the establishment of “alevromountzouromata” came from sailors who were traveling to Sicily and had seen similar customs of the area . According to another version, the tradition wants “alevromoutzouromata” have their roots in Byzantium , where jesters of racecourses painted their faces .