With the revival of two customs, the “Camila” in Galatista and the “Fotars” in Paleokastro, the Municipality of Polygyros Halkidiki celebrated this year’s Epiphany. After the sanctification of the waters, there were many visitors from different regions, who visited Galatista to witness the custom of the “Camel”, which has its roots in the Turkish occupation.

Then the Agas of the village is said to have seized a beautiful girl, Manio, in order to shut her up in his harem. The lads of the village, led by her lover, built a camel, some hid under it, while others masked followed her and went around the whole area, in order to find the unfortunate girl. This year, for another year, the young people of the village undertook the revival of the custom, causing the enthusiasm of the visitors, who participated in the event with dances. Those who visited Galatista also had the opportunity to see up close its Byzantine tower, which was open to the public.

In Paleokastro, another custom took place, “The Lanterns”, in the forecourt of the church of Agios Athanasios. The “King” of the event, who had been “sworn” since the previous night, appeared accompanied by the Lightmen, who wore traditional costumes. A special figure was the cook, who was holding a sausage tied to a pole, which the most daring, in the midst of songs and songs, attempted to grab, receiving the blows of the Lighters. “Many congratulations to the young people, who support the customs of our place and with their dynamism keep our tradition alive” said the mayor of Polygyros, Giorgos Emmanouil.