Beis
About
The Bey ("O Beis") is a folklore custom of Nea Vyssa, which has its roots in the period of Ottoman rule and is successfully revived every Carnival season to this day. The custom owes its name to the title of a high-ranking Ottoman administrative official (Bey – Μπέης in Greek) of a geographical region.
According to tradition, the enslaved Greeks of Thrace were allowed, for just a single day, to do whatever they wanted to the Turks. This day took place during the Triodion period (the Carnival season), and more specifically, on the Monday after Cheese Fare Sunday (Clean Monday).
The Ritual and Procession
- The Morning Tour: From early in the morning, the Bey, accompanied by his retinue, tours from neighborhood to neighborhood within the town of Nea Vyssa in order to collect taxes from the enslaved Greeks.
- The Square Gathering: Once the tour is completed, the Bey arrives in the central square of Nea Vyssa on his chariot for the sowing and plowing ritual.
- The Climax: Following this, all the residents gather and overturn the Bey. Finally, the election of next year's Bey takes place, followed by dancing for everyone.
Significance: The custom does not only have a symbolic and carnival-like character, but is also associated with promoting the growth of vegetation and a fertile harvest for the new year.
(Source: Proceedings of the 3rd Panhellenic Conference on the History and Culture of Orestiada, "Orestiada in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects")