The carnival festivities in Naoussa center on the custom «Genitsaroi and Boules», a traditional ritual with a distinctive character that creates a unique atmosphere in the city.
Carnival inNaousais an experience not to be missed. The custom «Genitsaroi and Boules» adds a vivid traditional hue and creates a distinctive atmosphere in the city of Naousa. This distinctive custom dates back to the 18th century, while its roots can be traced to festivals in ancient Greece associated with the god Dionysus.
Only troupes (bouloukia) of teenagers and young (typically unmarried) men participate in the ritual. Dressed in the traditional costume of the Genitsaros, they roam the streets and neighborhoods of the city dancing traditional dances to the accompaniment of the zurna and the daouli.They move in pairs and accompany the Boula or Bride who is always portrayed by a man.
The Genitsaros costume, with the fustanella as its main element, consists of many components and is completed by the prosopo, the distinctive mask with very small openings at the eyes and mouth. Likewise, the man who dresses as the Bride wears a wide, flamboyant, floral dress with accessories that characterize the local women’s costume of Naousa. He also wears a mask and a bridal headdress with flowers and ribbons.
The custom begins on the first Sunday of Carnival and Monday, continues on Carnival Sunday (in the afternoon a festive celebration takes place in the Alonia area with traditional meze and the famed Naoussa wine) and on Clean Monday.
What to do in Naousa
With a rich winemaking tradition, traditional neighborhoods full of character, historic sights and wonderful countryside around the city, Naousaoffers unique experiences for those who love getaways with an emphasis on nature and flavor.
- The Arapitsa river that runs through the city creates gorgeous lush landscapes, small waterfalls and ideal settings for endless strolls.
- A stroll through the neighborhoods of Alonia, Pouliana and Batania will take you back into the city’s past, while it’s worth visiting the Municipal Park, near Karatasou Square, with sweeping views over the fertile plain of Imathia.
- At a distance of 3 km from the city lies the Agios Nikolaos Grove, which has been declared a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. It is a lush expanse that offers a unique escape setting for the whole family.
- Aristotle’s School is located at Isvoria, in an idyllic landscape very close to the city. This is the site that housed, shortly after the mid-4th century BC, the school where the philosopher Aristotle taught the young Alexander.
- A short distance from the city are beautiful villages that are worth a visit: Arkochori, Giannakochori and Rodochori.
- Add to your itinerary a visit to one of Naousa’s renowned wineries to learn the story behind the region’s famous wines.
- For winter sports enthusiasts, two major ski resorts are located a short distance from the city of Naousa: the 3-5 Pigadia Ski Center (17 km from Naousa) and the Seli Ski Center (19 km from Naousa).
