24th of December
The beginning of this custom can’t be traced. Young and elder people are constantly moving. Houses are ready and sintzukia are hanged by a rope.
Starting a night before, the village gets full of traditional bands. Automatically people gather and the party begins in every neighborhood and every cafe. People sing and dance in the central square. Groups of people with the bands visit every house and give their wishes along with songs and dance which last till late at night.
In the morning the streets are full of children. They are carrying colorful bags and “tzoumakes” (sticks with a cylindrical wooden part that looks like a wooden hammer) with which they knock the doors of every house, announcing the joyful message that Jesus Christ has been born. Women offer them mandarins, bread, chestnuts, chocolates and give them some little money.
