Alevromoutzouromata (flour smudging)

Galaxidi

Once a year, on «Clean Monday», the people of Greece celebrate the end of the Carnival period before moving into lent. Nobody celebrates it quite the same way as the residents of Galaxidi, the picteresque village on the north shore of the Corinthian Gulf, near Delphi.

“Alevromoutzouromata (flour smudging) in Galaxidi picture from flickr

Since the mid-nineteenth century, the town has held an annual flour war (alevromoutzouromata = flour smudging) where residents and visitors come together to paint the village and each other with brightly coloured flour in an exciting afternoon of really letting go and having fun!

“Alevromoutzouromata (flour smudging) in Galaxidi picture from flickr

The festive event dates back to around 1800 when the residents of Galaxidi risked their lives in defiance of the Ottoman rulers who were occupying Greece at that time and had forbidden the celebration of carnival by painting their faces with ash and dancing in the streets.

“alevromoutzouromata (flour smudging) in Galaxidi picture from flickr

Around noon, people armed with sacks of dyed flour go on the streets to awaken their inner child. This is when the real battle begins. Even buildings require a special plastic wrap, as no-one can hide from the mess.

Be sure you are wearing clothes you will probably never wear again. The celebration is accompanied by music and dancing, and lasts until all the bags are empty.

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