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kosta_karapinotis

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This is one of the lesser known customs that people don't know about!! Between the 6th and the 8th of January, people get dressed up with symbolic and often scary masks to exorcise the evil spirits from the city. I thought it would be nice to share with all of you. Are any of you from Kastoria? That's where this custom is practised

 
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This is one of the lesser known customs that people don't know about!! Between the 6th and the 8th of January, people get dressed up with symbolic and often scary masks to exorcise the evil spirits from the city. I thought it would be nice to share with all of you. Are any of you from Kastoria? That's where this custom is practised

Woah this is so cool! I would love to visit Kastoria and see this in action
 
Woah this is so cool! I would love to visit Kastoria and see this in action
I agree! I wonder if other people on here have been, I'd love to hear about it...
 
My wife lived in Kastoria for 6 years, but she has never spoken about this. I'll have to ask her about it.
 
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My wife lived in Kastoria for 6 years, but she has never spoken about this. I'll have to ask her about it.
Commenting so I get notified on this thread! I would love to know :) :)
 
Asked my wife about this.

She said no one really dresses up as any thing scary, but no one will stop you if you want to - people dress up however they want. People see this is like Apokries. On the last day of Ragoutsaria, everyone wears matching outfits and you have to pay someone to give you the matching outfit. Most people are just drinking and partying for Ragoutsaria, but things can get really crazy/weird depending on how much you're drinking...
 
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Asked my wife about this.

She said no one really dresses up as any thing scary, but no one will stop you if you want to - people dress up however they want. People see this is like Apokries. On the last day of Ragoutsaria, everyone wears matching outfits and you have to pay someone to give you the matching outfit. Most people are just drinking and partying for Ragoutsaria, but things can get really crazy/weird depending on how much you're drinking...
That is so cool! Thanks for posting. I see this with many traditions, some of them are slowly dying out, but a few strong tradition holders keep them going
 

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?

Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

Greek Easter Celebrations in Greece?

I’ve been thinking a lot about Greek Easter lately and realized I don’t actually know what it’s like to experience it in Greece itself.

I grew up with the traditions here, like church services, red eggs, the midnight “Christos Anesti,” and of course the big Sunday feast, but I’m curious how it all feels in Greece. Is the atmosphere different? More intense? More communal?

What are the days leading up to Easter like there, especially Holy Week? Are there specific customs, processions, or local traditions that stand out depending on the region?

I’ve also heard things about candles at midnight, fireworks, and entire towns participating, how true is that?

Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced it in Greece or grew up there. What are the moments that really define Greek Easter for you?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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