Mostra of Thimiana

Marvelous masks and mysterious figures are what makes carnival one of the greatest festivities celebrated all over the globe. The Mostra of Thimiana, taking place in the small village Thimiana, is one of them.

The origin

It is an old tradition, which origin lies somewhen in the Middle Ages. In these dark times, the village of Thimiana was attacked by pirates, who were after the precious Mastic. The attack, however, was repelled by the citizens, who were informed about the pirates' plan.

After the onslaught the victorious inhabitants hung the pirates at the central square of the village. From this action the name Mostra of Thimiana originates, since "Mostra" in Greek means "hanging". In memory of their victory, the citizens celebrated the anniversary every year up to now.

The present

For this occasion, which takes place every year on the last Friday of Triodion (the season from the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee through Holy Saturday), the citizens of Thimiana dress themselves like old ladies and men, while hiding their faces behind handmade masks.

The traditional dance, called "Talimi" in Greek, on Sunday on the village square illustrates the long past battle against the pirates, and is a spectacular event. When the dance is finished, the participants accompany the music with war songs and walk in a procession to the church of Agios Efstratios. On the banisters of the church they hang banners and flags of Chios in honor of the fallen heroes.

This very traditional celebration has lately been enriched with more fashionable and creative guises, which satirical represent the everday life of Greek citizens.