The Carnival in Naousa are synonymous with days filled with tradition, history, and excitement with the residents closely following the ancient custom “Genitsaroi and Boulas”. A traditional event that takes place on the two Sundays of carnival, carried out by the city’s young bachelors who observe the custom every year and keep this tradition alive.
In 1705 the Ottoman occupiers tried to draft the Naosian youth into their army. They resisted and killed the representative sent by the Sultan on the days of ‘Apokries‘ carnival. As a result, the youths fled like thieves to the mountains and were hunted down and killed by the Turks.
In 1706, on these very days instead of mourning their loss, the young men of Naousa donned their Armatole uniform and a face mask known as “Prosopo” to conceal their identity from the Turks. They also hung silver medallions on their chest as a form of protection (a form of chain mail). With this disguise, they returned to the city, reenacting the events of 1705.
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