The ancient tradition of the Bell People in the Greek village of Distomo marks the end of carnival. Revelers clad themselves in animal skins and heavy bronze bells. They danced through the streets on Monday in a chaotic and wine-fueled ritual with roots in ancient Dionysian celebrations. The deafening noise and irreverent chants aim to lift spirits and usher in the spring. The ritual was tied to the Christian calendar. But this centuries-old festival remains a cultural reset. It blends history with modernity. The carnival endures despite Distomo’s tragic past as the site of a World War II massacre. The carnival events celebrate life, renewal and the enduring power of tradition.
