Folklore in Xanthi Prefecture

The region of Xanthi boasts a rich culture in all sectors: language, customs and traditions, song, dance, costumes. After the exodus from Asia Minor, the Thracians were joined by a multifarious civilization of Greeks from Pontus, Asia Minor, Eastern Thrace and Northern Thrace. Furthermore, the people of Epirus, Macedonia, Thessaly, the Peloponnese, Crete and Cyprus who reside in the prefecture of Xanthi all contribute to its cultural pluralism and expression. If we also add to this, the cultural manifestations of the Muslim groups, we can well comprehend that Xanthi is a region with a diversity of colours and nuances.

The Regional Unit, and the local municipal authorities and cultural associations of the various villages, organize a broad range of events, mainly on the occasion of the local patron saints’ feast days.

Calendar of Events

Thracian Folk Festival – The Carnival of Xanthi

Each year, at Carnival time, you will find Xanthi celebrating at a frenzied pace. The Thracian Folk Festival, established in 1991, aims to initiate, revive and disseminate the spirit of tradition amongst the young in a consistent, respectful and unobtrusive manner, through various events and festive celebrations. The Thracian Folk Festival brings to mind images of the local history and culture, reaching its peak on the last Sunday of Carnival, when an unprecedented parade of very elaborate floats and carnival groups takes place. All ages get carried away by the colours, sounds and smells of this amazing satirical dance. The celebrations end with the custom of burning the effigy of the Tzaros.

For more information, please visit the site of Xanthi Municipality:http://www.carnivalx.gr

The Celebrations in the Old Town

The Celebrations in the Old Town are another major cultural event for Xanthi. As summer ushers in the autumn, for two weeks, the old town of Xanthi becomes the focus of cultural interest. Established in 1991, they are an opportunity for our city to briefly relive its past, awaken memories within our hearts, experience the olden times, surrender to the music and rhythm that floods the cobbled streets of the traditional district, and also envision and look towards the future with optimism. Artistic performances, dance, music, theatre and visual arts events all enjoy their heyday. The local cultural clubs play the leading role once again at their “hangouts”; barbecues and tables are set up outside, the wine flows freely, the local delicacies disappear at an amazing pace, and the followers of Dionysus perform local dances and sway to the strains of the bouzouki.

Youth Festival

Next in line is the Youth Festival, which takes place at the end of Spring. It began in the same year as the Celebrations in the Old Town and, as the title reveals, the Youth Festival focuses on the dynamic participation of youth in the cultural activities of the city of Xanthi. The work of schoolchildren, students and young people in general is presented through cultural and sports events, concerts, plays, painting and photography exhibitions and gymnastic displays, which add a powerful note of vivacity and responsibility, as well as a youthful outlook to all that concerns us.

Chatzidakis Festival

During the last few years, the Municipality of Xanthi and the Cultural Centre of Arts and Letters have organized the Chatzidakis Festival. It involves an effort to disseminate the work and cultural wealth that choirs produce from all over Greece and abroad. The festival is dedicated to the composer Manos Chatzidakis, who was born in Xanthi.

August – The month of Music

During the four weekends of August, the Regional Unit of Xanthi organises ‘August – A month of Music and Culture’ along the coastal zone of Xanthi. A variety of events, such as plays, concerts and traditional dancing, with the participation of local groups and associations, serve to present the cultural kaleidoscope of the region, and promote its local identity through culture. Porto Lagos, Myrodato Beach, Maggana Beach and Erasmio welcome and bring to life the Musical and Cultural Weekends of August.

“Democriteia” at Avdera Municipality

The “Democriteia” Festival at Avdera begins in early July and its basic aim is to promote the area’s potential. It is an acclaimed festival, which includes a whole range of activities, such as musical performances, football and beach volley tournaments, happenings at archaeological sites, and cultural events that take place in various settlements of Avdera Municipality.

“Erasmia” at Topeiros Municipality

The “Erasmia” cultural activities take place during the last days of August, on the occasion of the celebrations for the patron saint of Topeiros Municipality. A variety of cultural events, such as concerts, theatrical performances and visual arts exhibitions frame the revival of numerous local customs, and the culinary surprises on offer to those attending this popular festival.

“The Potato Festival – Patatiada”

Each year, around the middle to the end of August, Feloni celebrates the cultivation and culinary versatility of the potato. It is a three-day event, which includes plays, sports activities and creative crafts with potatoes as the focus. An endless celebration of flavours and fun is actively enjoyed by the locals and visitors to the Municipality, accompanied by traditional music.

The Custom of the Babo

Each year in Nea Kessani (Avdera Mun/ity), in Maggana (Topeiros Mun/ity) and in other local villages they still maintain the custom of matriarchy from northern Thrace, known as the celebration of the Babo or mami (the midwife). On January 8th, the day of Saint Dominiki, the local married women go out in their traditional costumes and visit the woman that has been chosen that year to play the role of the Babo. They offer her gifts, and wash her hands in order to honour her symbolically for helping them give birth. Men are not allowed to attend the ensuing celebrations, or they are doused with cold water. This ritual dates back to the ancient Thesmophoria and Aloa, but now simply survives as a traditional custom.

The Custom of the Camel or Tziamala

During the Carnival period, you come across this custom in Stavroupolis and other villages; it has its roots in Eastern Roumelia. The local youth create the effigy of a camel out of rags and leather, then they “man” it with two young lads and the camel driver, dressed as an Arab, walks the camel around the village from door to door, with a flute or daouli playing. The homeowners tip the camel with treats and money. The animal’s journey is a representation of human life, its misfortunes and its joys, and symbolizes our submission to fate, which steadily leads us towards our destination, and cannot be avoided.

Thracian Wedding

At Avato village, on September 8, there is a representation of a Thracian Wedding. All local villagers take part, dressed in traditional costumes from the region of Thrace.