Limnos: The “Batatsudes” stirred people up with bells and sticks – The ancient custom of the Eve of Lights

The enjoyed the Eve of the Lights (05.01.20205) the “Batatsudes”. On our acrylic island he revived this ancient, in which the participants want to “shoot” the evil spirits. In the rhythms of the “Batatsuds”, which stirred the passers-by with their sticks and bells, danced on Sunday, Eve of the Lights, Limnos. CORVERSE According to Limnos Live, with joy and enthusiasm, the “Batatsudes” made a dynamic appearance in the market of Myrina, carrying tradition and festive spirit on the streets of the city. Passersby could not resist the sounds of their bells and sticks, which filled the space with life and joy. Locals found in the market enjoyed the experience and participated actively, laughing, clapping, and immortalizing the moment with their cameras. ADVERSE On the eve of the Lights, once the sun reigns, young people are transformed into “Batatsudes”. They wear animal hairs, live with bell twigs that produce loud noise in every move and paint their faces. With sticks in hand, they intimidate passersby, keeping the spirit of custom alive. One of them, dressed in white, known as “Families”, symbolizes purity and leads the team to its mission: To drive away evil spirits… The groups of zoomorphic men are called “Batatsudes” by the word “Badajos”, which according to folklore writer G. Mega means goblin, while their events are known as “Badajudika”.