The Flour Throwing Festival
The little harbor town, Galaxidi (Γαλαξίδι), is located on the south central part of Greece, north to the Peloponess. The city is covered, every year, with more than 1.5 ton of colored flour which is thrown on the locales and the mass of tourists who attend the most insane battle.
The traditional flour battle symbols the end of the carnivals’ period. The historic legacy and the causes to this fights are unknown. According to local tradition, in the 19th century, when Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, carnivals were forbidden.
In spite of the prohibition, the locals danced in the streets with their faces colored with coal as protest against the government. later on, they added the colored flour tossing.
The flour battle takes place on the day which is known in the Eastern Orthodox Churches as Clean Monday, the day that marks the start of 40 days of Lent until Easter.
During the holiday, hundreds of people, dressed in plastic cloths, their paces are colored with black coal and safety goggles on their eyes, fill the streets. Due to the numerous visitors during the festival day and the high demand for accommodations it is recommended to check hotel rates and book rooms well in advance.
They dance in the streets and toss large amount of colored flour on one another. Most of the tourists who do not participate in the battles try to find a clean view point to enjoy the fights.
This is a savage area with lot of joy and humor.
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