One of Greece’s forgotten neo-pagan Carnival traditions is that of the “yiouroukoi” in the picturesque village of Agia Paraskevi, nestled in central Lesvos.
The peculiar attire and antics of the yiouroukoi have long been a source of carnival amusement in Agia Paraskevi, dating back to at least the late 19th century. Today, the Folklore Association of Agia Paraskevi strives to revive and preserve this ancient tradition.
Every year, on the final Saturday of the Apokries, the yiouroukoi would emerge from their mountain hideouts, clad in white trousers and shirts, adorned with a red belt and fez.
Some faces would be smudged, others powdered, as they paraded into the central square of Agia Paraskevi. There, a lively celebration would ensue, accompanied by Carnival songs, welcoming all who embraced the festive spirit.
As dusk settled, the costumed revelers would board their carts, traversing the neighborhoods, singing, improvising, and indulging in treats and jests. The merriment would continue late into the night, spilling over into the local cafes.
The yiouroukoi once dwelled in tents or modest stone houses in the mountains or secluded spots of central Lesvos.
However, they were later relocated to the opposite shores, deemed Turks under the Treaty of Lausanne.
In Agia Paraskevi and surrounding areas like Ferana and Vouvaria villages, the yiouroukoi crafted a living by felling pine trees and fashioning wooden wares for sale, alongside trading firewood and collecting resin from pine forests.
Despite their Muslim faith, the yiouroukoi did not identify as Turks, maintaining a preference for relations with Christians.
They revered the Virgin Mary, eschewing mosques, Ramadan, and the veiling of women.
On Clean Monday, they would descend upon Agia Paraskevi, gathering leftovers from the previous week’s meals in their “torvades” – sacks made of goat hair.
These leftovers, including rice puddings, cheeses, and pies, would be consumed, in contrast to the strict fasting observed by the Christian populace. In return, the yiouroukoi gifted the residents of Agia Paraskevi with their handcrafted wooden items.