On Friday, February 28, MANASIS presented the final instalment of their “Dodekaimero & Apokries” Carnival Season Processions for 2025.
The MANASIS school contributes greatly to Apokries celebrations across the wider community, and over recent years has presented countless ‘dromena’ from topical and isolated regions across Greece.
Traditions and customs vary from region to region, but all have similarities whereby participants dress-up with masks and wear bells to ring off evil spirits.
The school’s notable contributions include the famous Gainnitsaroi and Boulles of Naousa, Rougatisa of Karditsa, Kamiles & Divitzides of Anatoliki Romilia, Pourpouris & Kortopoula of Isaakio, and the epic Rougatsaria and Koudounoforoi from Soxos, Anthi Serron, Monastiraki, Xiropotamo, and other regions of Northern Greece.
As a pinnacle and a final “hoorah,” students from MANASIS brought the season to a close with a Masquerade Party which saw hundreds of students, families and other members of the community, converge at Vanilla, Oakleigh.
Notably, there was a significant presence of younger students and their families who also attended the event and participated in festivities.
The non-stop glendi included dance performances, live music, and a special impromptu roving set through the Eaton Mall.
Differing from years where the school places a significant focus on traditions and customs, this year’s theme was more light-hearted, with participants dressing up as various well-known characters, including from Squid Games, Ghostbusters, Minions, Cobra Kai, and even a ‘bromance’ between a billionaire Arabic oil tycoon and US President Donald Trump.
As the school’s focus now shifts, preparations are in place for the upcoming Moomba Parade and Festival, countless events celebrating Harmony Day, and of course Greek National Day 25th March Parade and Glendi.
