Greece is a country where traditions and customs are part of everyday life! Christmas caroling is very popular. In Drama on Christmas’ Eve children go from house to house singing the carols and people give them some money or some sweets. The main Christmas dinner usually contains pork meat or turkey with a variety of salads and as a dessert people have “Melomakarona” and “Kourabiedes”. The sweet “Christopsomo” is a kind of bread made at Christmas’ Eve. Housewives carve a cross on the top of the crust before it is baked. Another cake people eat during this festive time is the well known “Vasilopita” which is eaten on the New Year’s Day.
In Drama the last few years people all over Greece visit “Oniroupoli” where young and old enjoy the beautiful little houses decorated with bright lights and nice ornaments. All children are crazy about “Oniroupoli”. They go round the houses and visit the house of Saint Vasilios. The entire town is decorated with nice ornaments and songs are heard everywhere. During Christmas period people go round shopping and they buy presents for their beloved ones. The ski center of Falakro in Drama is packed with snow and many tourists go skiing. Christmas is great in Drama. You should visit the area of Drama. You will definitely have a wonderful time!
Rafael, C! High school class
2.The tradition of “Arapides”
The tradition of “Arapides” is a tradition that exists only in Monastiraki and Volakas in the area of Drama. On the day of “Theofania “young men dress up with a very strange and weird costume. This costume is made of goats’ skin, a belt decorated with big bells and a long wooden sword. With the sword they beat the citizens just for a “good purpose/fun”. These young men wearing the costume are called “Arapides”. This tradition is used to fend the bad spirits for a “prosperous year”. When “Arapides” fend the bad spirits, the citizens dance in a circle. Inside the circle “Arapides” use their swords. It is a very good experience for every tourist to see this custom. If you ever come to Drama this day don’t miss the chance to see this custom.
3. The tradition of camel
This tradition takes place in Petrousa on the 7th and 8th of January every year. It symbolizes the adventures of all human beings in the course of their lives and the decision to continue fighting despite the problems or misfortune or various hard conditions just like the camel does! We all know that the camel can stay without food and water for a long time.
John, C class -Music Junior High school
Time in Salonica 