Halkidiki: Revives the custom of “Camela” and the bride in Galatista

The “Camela” and the bride are revived every year on 5, 6 and 7 January in Galatista in . The custom has its roots in the era of Turkish rule, when Aga of the village Galatista in Halkidiki grabbed a beautiful girl, Manio, in order to close her in his harem. CORVERSE At that time, the boys of the village, led by her beloved, built a camel, some hid under it, while other masked men followed her and turned the whole area to find the unfortunate girl. And they did it. On the second day, the custom includes the marriage of Manios, in which only men dress bride and maid of honor, and this is the result of another era, when the woman was not allowed to take part in male feasts. The custom lasts three days, in Major John Hatzoudis Square, Galatista. It will begin on Sunday 5/1 at 15:30, when it will become the bell walk and the adornment of “Camela”. Monday 6/1 at 11:30 will revive the custom of “Camela”, while Tuesday 7/1, at 11:00, will be held “the marriage of Manios”. “We are proud because all these years we have managed and kept alive the tradition, in which many people participate and this gives hope to our country. We do not forget our identity, we respect our history and traditions and we look forward to the future with optimism,” states the deputy mayor for the Municipal Anthemoundas Unity, Katakalos Sakellaris, who thanked the volunteers who once again contributed the most for this year’s event. They participate in the revival of the custom: the Galatista Youth Association, the Sports Association of Anthems, the Galatista Sports Club, the Cultural, Folklore Association of Galatistas “Galateia”, the Galatista Association of Arts (Report), the Galatista Association of Galatistas Commercial Association, the Galatista Cavalry Club.