Boules: The carnival of Naousa. Folklore or symbolism?

• Main Author: Babali Anna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Ethnography, SASA, Belgrade 2012-01-01
• Series: Glasnik Etnografskog Instituta SANU
• Subjects: Boules; Naousa; dance-event; mask; symbolism
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-0861/2012/0350-08611202229B.pdf

The Boules of Naousa is taking place during the Carnival period. It is a dance event that incorporates a variety of elements from Greek history, tradition and religion. This paper describes the event, with reference to the special costumes, and the specific songs and dances that this includes. It also endeavors to retrieve its connection with Ancient Times, Byzantine Times, and later years, shaping an amalgam of influences and conceptions. Finally, it goes beyond the surface, trying to determine the meaning of this dance event, not as a simple custom, as most scholars face it, but as a reflection of Greek identity.