On Friday 15th March, MANASIS presented the final installment of their “Dodekaimero & Apokries” Carnival Season Processions for 2024. The MANASIS school contributes greatly to Apokries celebrations across the wider community, and over recent years has presented countless ‘dromena’ from topical and isolated regions across Greece.
Traditions and customs vary from region to region, but all have similarities whereby participants dress-up with masks and wear bells to ring our evil spirits. The school’s notable contributions include the famous Gainnitsaroi and Boulles of Naousa, Rougatisa of Karditsa, Kamiles & Divitzides of Anatoliki Romilia, Pourpouris & Kortopoula of Isaakio, and the epic Rougatsaria and Koudounoforoi from Soxos, Anthi Serron, Monastiraki, Xiropotamo, and other regions of Northern Greece.
As a pinnacle and a final “hoorah”, students from MANASIS brought the season to a close with a Masquerade Party which saw hundreds of students, families and other members of the community, converge at Vanilla. The non-stop glendi included dance performances, live music, and a special impromptu roving set through the Eaton Mall and surrounding streets.
As the school’s focus now shifts, preparations are in place for the celebration of the Greek National Day 25th March, and their upcoming “Destination Patrida, 2024” project, where a select cohort of students will be embarking on a 1-month journey across Greece.
As the Apokries season gains more and more traction annually, so too do the requests for MANASIS to present their famous customs at various community events. For this reason, it is imperative to contact the school with invitations at the earliest possible opportunity.
Καλή Σαρακοστή!
