In the picturesque mountain village of Distomo, nestled a couple of hours northwest of Athens, a unique tradition offers an escape from the everyday grind for its participants and spectators. Known as the “Koudounaraioi,” or “Bell People,” participants transform themselves in a ritual that resonates with the ancient customs of pre-Christian Greece.
Wrapped in sheep and goat skins, and adorned with hefty bronze bells crafted by hand, the Bell People embarked on their boisterous procession through the village streets on Monday. Their energetic dance and raucous chants echoing around the central square create an overwhelming, wine-enhanced celebration that jolts the senses and signifies the point of the event.
Such vibrant carnival traditions, rooted deeply in Greek history, trace their origins back to the Dionysian festivals. These festivities were dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek god associated with wine, fertility, and celebration, acting as a crucial societal release valve then, just as they do now.
Giorgos Papaioannou, a 29-year-old who typically works at an aluminum plant, assumes the festive role as president of Distomo’s Bell People. He explained the significance of their spirited celebration as a communal mood lifter: “We aim to shake things up and help people forget their troubles, to uplift them so they can truly feel,” he shared. By even visiting cemeteries, the Bell People aim to symbolically awaken the spirits, signifying a celebration of life for both the living and the deceased.
This ancient rural tradition, once central to welcoming spring, was woven into the Christian calendar. Its evolution marks the end of carnival season and the beginning of Lent, symbolizing a shift towards fasting and heightened religious observance in preparation for Easter, which this year is observed on April 20.
Distomo carries a heavy history for Greeks, as during World War II, Nazi forces massacred 230 villagers in retaliation for resistance efforts. An austere memorial from that era stands watch over the town. Nonetheless, the resilience of the community is evident in preserving this celebratory tradition. As noted by Distomo Mayor Ioannis Stathas, “We sustained the tradition after the massacre, using it to herald the spring.” This timeless festival has traversed centuries, passed down and kept alive through the generations.
This year, the festivities saw numerous participants, including schoolchildren, enlivening the streets with flares and olive-wood staffs. Giggling children in costumes joined the procession, marking their presence as dinosaurs, police officers, and other imaginative characters, creating a joyful atmosphere. Wine and traditional bean soup were offered generously as villagers danced to an eclectic mix of music, from Greek folk melodies to contemporary global hits.
Amalia Papaioannou, a historian and curator at the Distomo Museum, highlighted the festival’s enduring relevance, which has adapted over time by incorporating modern elements while remaining true to its agricultural roots. Historically dependent on favorable conditions for survival, the agrarian communities that originated these rituals aimed to repel evil and misfortune. Carnival celebrations allowed for sanctioned periods of social upheaval, preceding a return to order.
Papaioannou observed, “This tradition provides a sanctioned time for role reversal, where people don disguises and enjoy the freedom of expression, including humor that would otherwise be constrained. Even the Church historically accommodated these festivities, acknowledging their essential cultural and communal importance.” She aptly characterizes the tradition as a “reset.”
