Epiphany Customs

A few customs celebrating the Epiphany in Greece. Hopefully we'll be adding to the list

Pappougera, an ancient custom, is always revived during the Epiphany in Kali Vrisi, Drama. Young men dressed with sheepskins and wearing masks from animal skin wander around the village casting out evil spirits and giving wishes.

In Nea Karvali, Kavala, the kalikantzaroi (trolls) bid farewell to the real world, dancing around a big fire.

There are a number of beliefs connected with the Kalikantzaroi, who appear only during the 12-day period from Christmas to the Epiphany (January 6). These creatures are believed to emerge from the center of the earth and to slip into people's house through the chimney. The fireplace is kept burning day and night throughout the twelve days, to keep the spirits from entering by the chimney.