The custom of Epiphany
The "Customs of Volakas" is a masquerading event during the Twelve Days of Christmas, which takes place in Volakas, Drama, every year on January 6, 7 and 8. More specifically, the customs enacted are the "Custom of Bara" (6/1), the "Custom of Arapides” (7/1) and the "Custom of Wedding and Bears" (8/1).
These customs, "hadetia" as they are called in Drama, are pagan rituals and are related to the ancient worship of the god Dionysus. They take place during the Twelve Days, the time period from Christmas Eve to the Epiphany, and coincide with the winter sun path, that is, a turn of the annual solar cycle.