As carnival traditions come alive in every corner of Greece, filling cities and villages with color, music, and exuberant rhythms, this Friday, 20 February 2026, at 13:00 (Athens time), the program “On the Road” with Ariadni-Sofia Kouri, welcomes special guests who will initiate listeners into the secrets of Greece’s carnival heritage:
Evgenia Mamanou, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Social Policy of the Municipality of Tyrnavos, sets the carnival mood as she speaks about the Dionysian and satirical “Bourani” custom and the events taking place during the Tyrnavos Carnival.
Alexandros Makridis, Deputy Mayor for Culture of Kastoria, discusses the “Boubounes”, the large bonfires lit in the city’s squares and surrounding villages, as well as “Haskaris”, a lively traditional game enjoyed by all.
Nikos Koutsogiannis, Mayor of Naousa, speaks about the dance ritual “Boules”—a custom traditionally performed by men, yet timeless in its character.
Finally, Antonis Siamis, representative of the Folklore Association of Vlachs and Friends “Lailias” of Serres, explains the symbolism behind the distinctive “babousarka” costume and how the ritual of the “Babogeros” is revived in the Municipality of Sintiki, Serres.
Produced and presented by Ariadni-Sofia Kouri
Broadcast: Friday, 20 February 2026, 13:00 (Athens time).
