The Message of the Patras Carnival
The unique nature and the secret of success of the Patras Carnival are simple: as it was never an imitative representation of lost customs and traditions, it has always evolved as a carnival feast, in tune with each passing era. Thus, after 1968, when we have great changes in the views, the freedom and the entertainment of the younger generation, the latter find the Carnival gates open - and attractive - and their invasion has turned it into a mass celebration of youth. As a social result, thousands of young people abandon their idleness and the status of passive observer - consumer they occupy in their free time and get busy in creating, from a leading position, their own Carnival.
This social fact is the key for the interpretation of the following indisputable fact: up to 1900 we had, in Greece, a unique carnival of Patras and scant - no more than 10 - local carnival representation customs. Since 1990, in dozens of small and large Greek cities, usually by municipal initiative, carnival celebrations are organized, all in the footsteps of the Carnival of Patras (with parades of masqueraded youths).
This is a message, a proposal that, focusing on self-action, collective decisions and actions the leading entertainment role of the younger generation, has the power and merit to cross the national borders.
The future holds the answer. |
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