| The Carnival of Naoussa The Carnival takes place in Naoussa during the Carnival period (Apokria) and is accompanied by a number of events, starting on Fat Thursday and running until Green Monday. During this period, older customs are revived through the crowds of Yienitsaroi ("mpouloukia"), dance groups, parades of disguised figures and popular feasts. At the same time, an "Exhibition of Local and Traditional Products" takes place in Naoussa, where visitors can find a variety of local products. Similar events also take place in the Municipalities of Meliki and Apostolos Pavlos. "IMATHIOTIKA" "IMATHIOTIKA" is a series of major cultural events that take place throughout the Prefecture of Imathia, from August 15 to September 15. The events are celebrated in all corners of Imathia and the municipalities in particular, encompassing all aspects of artistic creation (music concerts, plays, dance performances, sport events, visual arts etc.). Here, all regional theatres of Greece come together to perform, alongside Balkan and Mediterranean brass band performances and other artistic events. The International Folk Festival CIOFF Pyrsos The International Folk-Festival CIOFF Pyrsos is held in Naoussa in the middle of June. It brings together dance groups from all around the world in an attempt to turn the event into a meeting point for the different cultures. The Festival lasts for a week. The "Wine and Culture" events Organised yearly by the Municipality of Naoussa, the "Wine and Culture" events focus on wine as a means for financial and cultural development. At the same time, the structures of the industrial development that took place in the region since the beginning of the century, together with the expansion of the Macedonian architecture to the remaining buildings in the cities of Imathia, highlight the industrial heritage of Naoussa and Veria. Events in Panagia Soumela On August 15, the church of Panagia Soumela in Castania (Mount Vermion) celebrates the assumption of the Virgin Mary (Panagia), at a venue visited by thousands of pilgrims. A variety of cultural events are held during the three-day celebration. Other cultural events On May 21, the day of the celebration of Saint Konstantinos and Saint Helen, the event of "Anastenaria" (a fire-walking ritual) is held in Meliki. During this event, the so-called "Anastenarides" walk barefoot on burning coals, attracting the attention of many visitors. Finally, throughout the year many events are organised by the municipal cultural centres and associations. |
![]() The Carnival of Naoussa
![]() Panagia Soumela
![]() Anastenaria
![]() Event organised by the Cultural Association of Agathia
![]() Event for the children at the central square of Veria
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