Congratulations to Our MDF Dancers!!!

This year the Saint Barbara dancers competed in the advanced junior division of the Metropolis of New Jersey Music and Dance Festival and were awarded the following:

Platinum overall (1st place)
Best Costume Award
Folk Expression Award

The tradition of Gennitsaroi and Boules is an annual Apokries celebration observed in Naousa which is in Imathia (central Macedonia).

Unmarried men dress in costumes wearing a very distinct mask or “prosopo.” While dressed, they navigate through the streets of Naousa while dancing, with musicians playing the traditional zourna and drum instruments.

The tradition traces back to the Ottoman occupation of Greece and ties in themes of resistance and revolution, which is why the men wear foustaneles.