Momogeroi
Although the Momogeroi custom arrived in Eordaia in 1924 with refugees from Livera in mountainous Trabzon, its roots stretch deep into antiquity. It takes place during the Twelve Days from Christmas to Epiphany and fills neighborhoods with celebration, music, and satire. Men dress in character roles such as the old man, the bride, the doctor, and the devil, performing theatrical scenes rich in improvisation and audience interaction. Music from the lyra, bagpipe, and drum sets the rhythm as groups visit homes, squares, and shops, exchanging New Year’s wishes and enjoying traditional food and wine. Equally significant are their costumes—helmets, fabrics, and accessories crafted using traditional techniques—which are passed down generations as precious heirlooms. It is no coincidence that the custom is part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the holidays, seek out the Momogeroi in Komnina, Karyochori, and Asvestopetra (where they are known as Kotzamania) and let yourself become part of a living tradition that unites the past with the present.
