Mytilene: The Vibrant Carnival Tradition of Agiasos, Lesbos

Yesterday evening (02.03.25), the narrow streets and graphic taverns of the mountainous village of Agiasos on Lesbos echoed with traditional ‘tripsimata’ songs in the local dialect sung by masked followers of Megalexandros, accompanied by the sounds of a traditional band leading the folk parade. Young men and women revived ancient carnival rites celebrating fertility and sexuality through song. Simultaneously, they rekindled the tradition of the ‘headband,’ which during the Ottoman period strengthened the national spirit of the Christian residents of Agiasos. This annual traditional parade is co-organized by the Cultural Carnival Association of Agiasos ‘The Satyr’ and the Agiasos Reading Society ‘Development.’ The event began at the Reading Society, followed by a human river flowing through the picturesque village’s neighborhoods—Karya, Kato Kampo, Skaloudia, Rodani, Agria, Kampoudi, Agia Triada, Mavrioti, Stavri, Boutzalia—and culminated at the central square with dances and phallic songs. This year’s Megalexandros was Stratis V. Topalis, while Myrsini and Katerina Koutsoudi-Bourli stood out in the ‘tripsimata.’ A new costume for Megalexandros was also unveiled. The program concluded with an award ceremony honoring students and educators from the Agiasos High School and Lyceum who participated in this year’s student carnival. Traditional rice pudding was distributed to attendees. The celebrations peak today, Clean Monday, March 3rd, with established carnival groups appearing at 15:30 in the Town Hall Square.