Folk culture events in the Southeastern Zone of the Regional Unit of Serres

RODOLIVOS

Carnival

A custom with roots in the period of the Ottoman Empire, with events that symbolized hope, but also, the anticipation of freedom. Today, carnivals roam the streets of the village

with songs and dances, teasing passers-by and setting up satirical impromptu skits inspired by current affairs.

Chelidona

An ancient custom that celebrates the coming of spring and the hope, rebirth and new life that it symbolizes. On the first day of March, the children of the village, holding a wooden model of a swallow, which they made themselves and decorated with flowers, roam the streets of the village and sing the “chelidonismata”, the carols of spring.

Dervenes

Dervena is the name of the great bonfire, which was lit in the old days on the Sunday of the Carnival in every neighborhood and which was the core of the festivities that grew around it. Today, the custom is revived in an open space near the village’s Municipal Stadium. The custom also takes place in the neighboring village of Proti, concluding in the central square of the village with dancing, wine and a variety of traditional dishes (mainly pies and sarmas).

NIGRITA

Gerakinia - Cultural Festival

A series of cultural events which take place every year, end of August - beginning of September, and last almost a week. It includes concerts by popular artists, shadow theatre, theatre performances, special tributes and a variety of other events.

The highlight of the events is the custom of Gerakina, which reenacts the real incident of the fall into a well of a young and beautiful village girl, named Gerakina, in the area “Tsakalades”, which happened in 1870 and shocked the local community. This incident inspired a well-known folk song. At the end of the event a folk feast is organized, accompanied by rich local delicacies.

 Lazarines

A spring celebration held on Lazarus Saturday. Young girls wear traditional costumes and flower wreaths in their hair, adorned with colorful ribbons, and herald the resurrection of Lazarus with songs.

The custom is nationwide, but in the area of Nigrita and the surrounding villages the celebration stands out because of the special events, songs and dances that accompany it

from the old days.

Traditional Wrestling Games (“Kispetia”)

A folk custom, already recorded from the Ottoman period and widespread throughout the entire Regional Unit of Serres, which is associated with the local festivals and religious celebrations. The participating athletes follow the traditional ritual to the sound of characteristic melodies by the instrumentalists who accompany them.

AMPHIPOLIS

Amphipolis Festival

A cultural festival, with a variety of events, which has been held since 1999 at the Archaeological Park of Amphipolis in the summer months. In a beautiful place next to the Strymonas river, attendants are given the opportunity to come closer to the history, culture and tradition of the wider area of the Holy Mount Paggaio. It includes workshops, theatrical performances, concerts, special tributes and traditional evenings.

Gastronomy Contest

A renowned event of the Municipality of Amphipolis, the origins of which go back to the distant 1958. The aim of the event is to promote the local culinary wealth, which is an integral part of the culture of the area. Cultural associations and bodies of the Municipality and the wider prefecture and region participate in the competition, while the jury is composed of acclaimed chefs.

ALISTRATI

“The burning of the flea” on Fat Thursday (“Tsiknopempti”)

The custom is the evolution of an old habit of the inhabitants of Alistrati who would light fires on the threshing floors or other open spaces during the Carnival in order to “burn the fleas”, which at the time plagued the people, while young and old had fun jumping over the flames. It takes place every year on Fat Thursday.