Festive Greece: A Calendar of Tradition John L. Tomkinson Included in Festive Greece are in-depth studies of many of the more exotic manifestations of popular culture: such as the mysterious figures dressed in animal skins and sheep bells which roam the streets of many of the towns and villages of Northern Greece during the winter and spring carnival seasons; the many variations on the religious and popular ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter; the fire-walking Anastenarides, probably remnants of the ancient groups dedicated to the cult of Dionysos; the bull-sacrifices of Lesbos; the annual appearance in church of the Virgin's serpents in Kefalonia; and the annual services in honour of the Cross, held in commemoration of a vision received during the German occupation, in Metsovo. From proud military parades commemorating the trials and victories of the modern state, to children's spring carol festivities which have survived almost unchanged from ancient times, this beautifully illustrated guide will provide you with a key to a more eventful stay in the country and a better appreciation of its long and colourful past. Review: Festive Greece is the only comprehensive and detailed guide in print in English to the wealth of traditions and customs accessible to the traveller. Included are in-depth studies of many of the more exotic manifestations of popular culturethe mysterious figures dressed in animal skins and sheep bells which roam the streets of Northern Greece during the winter and spring carnival seasons, the many variations on the popular ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter, the fire-walking Anastenarides (probably remnants of Dionysian cults), the bull sacrifices on Lesvos, etc. Now in Athens Review: '... the book is precisely what its title says it is: a calendar of the various celebrations that occur all over Greece, with the stress on fascinating folk observances that still dot the country... In a modern world what the reader gets are the last remaining traditions of a vanishing pastoral and agricultural world whose prime concern was fertility. While the book traces the continuity with the ancient past, backed by the ancient vase paintings accompanying the photos, it also shows the changes wrought by the twin forces of the Orthodox Church on the one hand, which attempted to suppress, or at any rate tame, pagan rites, and modernity in the form of the State on the other, which, sometimes understandably, suppressed the 'more uncivilized' elements. Indeed, the photographs in the book are fascinating in the contrast between the stiffly formal, military parades of modern origin, and the bawdy, anarchic, animalistic celebrations of old. 'As old, richly complex folklore elements become crudely oversimplified and the commercialized, plastic modern world tightens its hold, one needs to grab as many of these books as possible. Tomkinson is the author of a series of books that shed light on a lesser known Greece ... that deal with their more uncommon aspects; this is one of them. '...for someone wanting to know where to go, and more particularly, when, this is the book for them.' Kathimerini (English Edition) Review: Festive Greece is . . . a comprehensive calendar of the folk, religious, military and commemorative festivals of Greece. It is the only detailed guide of its kind in print in English... From proud military parades commemorating the trials and victories of the modern Greek state, to children's spring carol festivities which have survived unchanged from ancient times, this beautifully illustrated guide provides the key to a more eventful stay in Greece and a better appreciation of its colorful past.' 'Matt's Pick' Mat Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Review: '. . . many foreigners who end up by some bizarre coincidence in this part of the world, soon cotton on to the fact that there are some pretty heavy customs still hanging around here. Tomkinson's book guides you through all of them, from the most pagan to the most Christian. So, if you're interested in finding out why priests fling crosses into the water at Theophania, and when the icon of the Virgin Mary gets paraded, or even where you can witness the faithful walking over burning coals, then this is definitely the book for you.' Athens News Price:   9.99 €