Fota celebrations at Volakas Dramas, Greece

Angelos (25) has been dressing as "harapi" every year since the age of 10.
“Arapis” or “Harapi” costume is made by a thick felt-like fabric, it features a hunchback, heavy animal bells hanging around the waist, pig-fur shoes and a goat fur over the head and shoulders. The face is painted black by using ashes from the fireplace. Arapis dressed people move sideways while swinging their hips in order to make noise and they carry a wooden sword and a wooden club similar to the one used in ancient “Anthestiria” ceremonies. They act as protectors of the bride during the wedding reenactment. The roots of this character are set to be in ancient Dionysus ceremonies but also in the Christian tradition.

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Angelos (25) has been dressing as "harapi" every year since the age of 10.<br />
“Arapis” or “Harapi” costume is made by a thick felt-like fabric, it features a hunchback, heavy animal bells hanging around the waist, pig-fur shoes and a goat fur over the head and shoulders. The face is painted black by using ashes from the fireplace. Arapis dressed people move sideways while swinging their hips in order to make noise and they carry a wooden sword and a wooden club similar to the one used in ancient “Anthestiria” ceremonies. They act as protectors of the bride during the wedding reenactment. The roots of this character are set to be in ancient Dionysus ceremonies but also in the Christian tradition.