Slideshow Volakas 2023

In the settlement of Volakas, on January 7, Saint John, the Arapides appear in the streets, groups of 5-6 people disguised. The Arapides have a hump, which is made of a belenza full of straw, bells are girded around the waist, their heads are covered with sheepskin, their hands and faces are blackened with smoke, and in their hands they hold a thick stick, on which they lean and sway, giving in the sound of the bells some rhythm. Along with each group of Arapides there is the chaousis and the bride, who in their own way give the Arapides the opportunity to shake and tease the people. These are ancient Dionysus rituals that were adopted from the Christian faith but are still associated with wine, madness, fertility and ecstasy.