Revelry and Rhymes: The Songs of Apokries in Skopelos

On Skopelos Island, Apokries is a time of joyous festivities, lively music, and vibrant parades. Locals and visitors alike embrace the spirit of the carnival season with elaborate costumes, colorful masks, and exuberant dancing. The streets of Skopelos Town and Skopelos Villages come alive with processions, where revelers march through the winding cobblestone lanes, showcasing their elaborate attire and spreading cheer to onlookers. Throughout the Apokries period, various events and activities are organized across the island to engage the community and foster a sense of camaraderie. Traditional Greek music fills the air as people gather outdoors to enjoy live performances and spirited dancing late into the night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUayiyeTGNM   As locals and visitors alike gather to partake in the merriment of Apokries, they are serenaded by traditional tunes that have been passed down through generations. There are often instrumentalists to accompany the songs. Bouzouki, baglama, guitar, and tambourine are the favorite instruments of the inhabitants of Skopelos.

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Apokries Festival in the Past

Halloween in Skopelos, as in all of Greece, is an opportunity for fun and frolic. In the old days, the songs with swearing were sung at all Halloween events. The first to do so were the “moutsounes” as the masqueraders are called, the “bell ringers” with bells and a black scarf on their faces, and the “bam’des” who wear white clothes, a black scarf on their heads, and many silver accessories. They used to go around the streets and squares and sing various songs, often with all kinds of profanity.

The Songs of Apokries

Apokries songs in Skopelos reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the island. Each melody carries a unique story, blending elements of Greek folklore, history, and mythology into musical tales that captivate audiences of all ages. Most carnival songs of Skopelos are written in major or minor key and are danced in 2/4. Like all island dances. However, amidst the jubilation, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all Apokries songs adhere to appropriate language standards as they use “forbidden” words for certain audiences.

Songs in Kales

In every neighborhood they pass the procession, starring the bride and groom, stop to dance and sing lyrics of love, love, and the beauty of nature. Their journey feels like a changing melody, a continuous serenade describing the joy of the holiday. The music and songs that can be heard bring to mind the ancient festive ceremonies of Dionysus, conveying an aura of mythical life revived yearly.

Songs in Trata

The character of the songs changes in the custom of Trata. The parade, “the crew” of the trawl, dances and sings carnival, satirical songs. Those songs are the “perpaska”, which mock moments of everyday life and people. Most of the time, these songs contain “bad” words. There is no shortage of banter making the attendees laugh.

The Importance of the Songs

As the pre-Lenten season unfolds, paving the way for Carnival merriment, music emerges as a beating heart at the center of these joyous festivities. Here, we delve into the soul of Skopelos Carnival songs, unearthing the human essence within:

Diverse Musical Flavors:

Skopelos Carnival songs embrace an array of musical genres, from time-honored folk melodies to contemporary tunes that set toes tapping. These harmonies ignite a sense of elation and create an atmosphere brimming with jubilation.

Storytelling Through Song:

The verses of Skopelos Carnival songs spin tales that revolve around the very essence of Carnival itself. They weave narratives that echo the customs, traditions, and whimsy of the season, be it the donning of masks, playful disguises, or the humorous escapades that light up the celebrations.

The Art of Spontaneity:

Many of these Carnival songs possess a distinct quality: improvisation. With participants and performers crafting verses on the fly, there’s an infusion of spontaneity and inventiveness that infuses the revelries. This lends itself to playful exchanges and good-natured teasing among those partaking.

Musical Companions:

Traditional instruments such as the bouzouki, accordion, and guitar provide the backdrop to the melodic voices duringthe Skopelos Carnival. These instruments breathe life into the music, infusing it with a rhythmic vitality that invigorates the celebrations.

Integral to the Festivities:

Carnival songs stand as a cornerstone of the broader Carnival festivities on Skopelos Island. They grace parades, gatherings, and soirées in the weeks leading up to Lent. As the melodies resonate, they infuse the atmosphere with a communal spirit, uniting participants and spectators alike.

A Tapestry of Heritage:

Beyond mere entertainment, Skopelos Carnival songs are the threads weaving together cultural heritage. They serve as guardians of the island’s unique legacy, intricately intertwined with Greek folklore and the cherished Carnival customs passed down through generations. In sum, the songs of Skopelos Carnival breathe life into the island’s exuberant celebrations during the Apokries season. They weave a cultural fabric, leaving lasting impressions on locals and tourists, fostering a universal bond. The songs of Skopelos Carnival, fondly referred to as “Apokries” in Greek, breathe life into the island’s rich festive heritage. Apokries, the joyous carnival season, brings with it a symphony of sounds that echo through the charming streets of Skopelos. Among the lively music and spirited festivities, songs play a central role in capturing the essence of this vibrant celebration. However, it’s important to note that while many of these songs are uplifting and jovial, some may contain lyrics with inappropriate language.

The Epic Ballad “Vlachas” (Village Girl)

“Let’s go, Vlacha, to the faraway café, to have some Vlacha soumada and chat away… I don’t want soumada or even argile, I just want a loukoumi and a sweet coffee to beguile…
“Let’s go, Vlacha, because dawn has broken, the first light of day has found us and awakened.”

“Let’s go, Vlacha, to the faraway river’s flow, You’ll wash the clothes, while I sing, you know.”