APOKRIES - Greece
In the Orthodox Christian tradition of Greece, Apokries is the festival period before the beginning of Lent. The largest celebrations take lace in the city of Patras and combines Christian ceremonies with ancient rites honoring Dionysos, the Ancient Greek god of wine and feasting.
Apokries begins three weeks before Orthodox Lent. On Tsiknopempti, traditionally the last day to eat meat before Lent, it is the custom to grill meat with melted fat while brass bands and folk musicians travel the streets.
Bourboulia is a traditional afternoon masquerade ball where ladies enter with a long “domino” robe and mask. Under the masquerade they can avoid recognition and select a dancing partner by their own initiative.
The climax of the celebration is the Great Sunday Parade. The procession draws thousands of participants and lasts into the night and revelry closes with the burning of King Carnaval. Clean Monday marks the end of Apokries and the first day of Lent.
RESOURCES
Official website of Patras Carnaval
AYS enriches the learning and well-being of children in a safe, caring and fun environment outside of the school day. To learn more about AYS please visit www.ayskids.org.
AYS, Inc.
4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 283-3817