Apokries

In Greece the carnival possibly started to worship Dionysos, God of Wine and Feasting. Apokries (sometime spelt Apokreas) means goodbye to meat Apo = from, Kries/kreas = meat. The latin Carnival means the same Carne = meat, valle = leave
Today is the start of Apokries which is the three week period leading up to Lent and this year runs from 26th January to 18th February. This week starts with the opening of the "Triodion" or three Holy sacraments.
The next few weeks are very important in Greek tradition and are followed very actively in the village. Keep watching for further posts!