ANASTENARIA
In a consciously ecstatic state
A glimpse into one of the most spectacular and long-standing Greek traditions, known as the Anastenaria. A fire-walking ritual practiced in Northern Greece, mainly in honor of St Helen and St Constantine, the Anastenaria constitutes an alchemy of modernity and tradition, order and disorder, pain and relief.
The “konaki”, shrine, of Anastasios Gaintatzis in Lagkadas village, Thessaloniki. It is in this "sacred place" that it "all begins and ends".
The Holy icons of St Constantine and St Helene.
Portait of Theodora Skodramoudi and her son, Giannis Sidiropoulos, wearing the traditional custom of Sinapli.
The rattling sound of the tambourine marks the beginning of the ritual, accompanied by the Thracian lyra.
Surrendering to the monotonous yet powerful rhythm, the Anastenarides dance relentlessly holding Greek Orthodox icons and wearing the sacred kerchiefs, amanetia, around their shoulders.
Dancing Bacchant.
Deep self-concentration.
The touch of burning incense.
As the sun sets in the village of Lagkadas, the holy fire is lit.
Katharsis.