Events in the city of Volos

The city of Volos during the period of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Various recordings of everyday life and of special events (parades, pre-electorate gatherings, etc.).

Events outside Volos

The Carnaval at Sohos, Thessaloniki, February 2001

The Carnival of Sohos (Meriou)

The billy goat faced “Koudounoforoi” (bearing cowbells) at SoHo, Thessaloniki, is an event that is associated with the fertility of the land. Ancient custom, which features clearly reveal remnants of the spring festivals, which were connected with fertility and fruitfulness of the earth.

After the Epiphany, anyone who wants, may freely get dressed in the costume of “Koudounoforoi”  and walk along the streets and squares, without having to wait to get the day of the Carnival. On the last Sunday of the Carnival and on Ash Monday all the villagers get in the streets, in cafes, but most of them gather in the village’ square. The “Koudounoforoi” are walking slowly to hear the strange sound of cowbells, going around in small groups, offerinf drinks to their friends and acquaintances. In the village square daoulia (clarinets) and zournades (bagpipes) do not stop for a minute. The noise created by the cowbells of the Koudounoforoi, reminds us of the mythological "Korybantes" that made noise to remove evil. Required accessories are crook or sword and a bottle of ouzo to treat their friends and acquaintances, exchanging greetings.

What makes it unique SoHo Carnival, from other goat formed disguises, is the predominance of the erotic element. In older years, young people dressed like that, had the opportunity to approach the girl they loved in order to arouse her interest.

Documentation team:

Directed by: Panos Karkanevatos

Sound recording and video editing: Ifigenia Charatsi