The custom of Genitsaroi and Boules

Carnival in Naoussa is characterized by three basic elements. The spontaneity of the residents, their love for tradition and their wonderful hospitality. An integral part of the Carnival events is the performance of the Janissary and the Boula.

The celebration of the Tradition

The preparation for the tradition begins long before Carnival when the dancers prepare their costumes as early as November, Naoussa beats to the rhythm of carnival. In the past, the costume lasted all night, the Janissary sat on the chair (PHOTO) and the family sewed all the parts of the costume for him one by one.

Carnival Sunday - The Gathering

The Janissary, dressed from the evening before and from early morning today,
is ready.(PHOTO)The sad sound of the zurna can be heard from afar,(PHOTO) as it is accompanied by the heavy beat of the tambourine, which plays the mast.
This is the Zalistos or Proskinimas, a free rhythmic melody. The Janissaries move their arms and chest so that the coins can be heard from the vest.
As soon as the pack arrives home, the Janissary jumps 2-3 times(PHOTO) at the window, goes out the door making the sign of the cross(PHOTO) and after taking the hands of his people (jumps on the spot),(PHOTO) departs with the pack.

The Itinerary

After the gathering is complete (PHOTO) the group arrives at the City Hall where the leader will get the permission of the Mayor (at that time a Turkish man), so that the dance can begin. The leader of the group (PHOTO) together with the bride go up to the Mayor, while the rest are stunned below, and ask for his permission, the leader says characteristically, revealing himself .... Mayor, I ask for permission for the group to dance in the streets and squares of the city. (PHOTO)
Once the permission is received, the purpose of the zournas changes and the fights for the dance begin.
The itinerary is set, it is the boundaries of old Naoussa.
In each square, the residents of each neighborhood dance in front. (PHOTO)
The route continues until they reach Alonia, where
the Face comes out,(PHOTO) a small party is held there, while old janissaries(PHOTO) dance without uniform.
The boulouki ends in the central square of Naoussa

Monday - Clean Monday

During these two days, the boulouki party in the houses of dancers.(PHOTO)
They eat and drink, while Boula treats the companions of the boulouki.
On the evening of Clean Monday and as soon as the dance is over, all the dancers surround the zournatzi and clash their swords.(PHOTO)
They say characteristically.....What we said and did not say should stay here.
And of Time.......

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