Galaxidi hosts annual flour war
Hundreds mark Carnival’s end in Greek town with colourful pre-Lenten flour fight
Hundreds of revellers transformed the harbour and streets of Galaxidi into clouds of coloured flour during the town’s annual pre‑Lenten “flour war,” a carnival tradition marking the end of Carnival season and the start of the 40‑day Lent period in the Orthodox calendar. Participants, many in goggles and protective suits, hurled tonnes of food‑dyed flour across the harbour, coating people, buildings and pavements as music played and dancing continued through the crowds.
Organisers described the event as a long‑standing local custom that draws both residents and visitors for communal celebration. The ritual is commonly traced to the 19th century under Ottoman rule, when carnival festivities were suppressed and locals reputedly disguised themselves—smearing faces with ash and taking to the streets—to defy bans. Over time that spirit of misrule evolved into the distinctive flour‑throwing practice seen today.
Authorities and organisers emphasised practical preparations: designated zones for throwing, protective gear to reduce respiratory and eye irritation, traffic restrictions, medical teams on standby and municipal crews ready for extensive cleanup once the festivities ended. Photographers and tourists navigated the thick powder as balconies, signs and café terraces became blanketed in flour; local businesses reported increased trade during the celebrations even as shopkeepers took measures to protect storefronts.
Despite the apparent chaos, the event is coordinated to manage safety and minimise disruption, with emergency services and organisers monitoring the crowds. Municipal crews later used sweepers and water trucks to clear streets. Participants said the occasion combines fun, communal bonding and cultural memory, with families and generations taking part in a ritual that signals the transition from carnival revelry to the solemnity of Lent. The annual flour war continues to attract domestic visitors and tourists keen to witness one of Greece’s most vivid pre‑Lenten customs, blending historical roots, communal spirit and theatrical exuberance.
