Makrochori can be discovered through a range of local events. On December 25 and 26, 2018, festivities included a procession, as well as food and music; in 2026, a kite festival associated with Clean Monday and a road race were added. The road race took place in 2026; Clean Monday is the occasion associated with the kite festival. If you are considering Makrochori as a travel destination, these events offer a cultural and sporting perspective on the town.
Two Christmas Days, Two Different Events
At the Rougatsia procession on December 25, 2018, participants set off at 9 a.m. from the Church of Timios Prodromos, after receiving a blessing from the parish priest. They then made their way through the town’s streets and lanes to the sound of the zurna, offering wishes for a happy new year, good health, and a good harvest. The event combined a church gathering point with a procession through Makrochori; music, movement, and New Year’s wishes were closely intertwined. For culturally curious travelers, the sequence is telling: the event began with a blessing and then proceeded through the town.
The focus was different on December 26, 2018: the Gou Rounochará, held in the square of the old Heróon, featured plenty of wine, pork stew, and music by a traditional orchestra. The two consecutive Christmas days thus offered different forms of celebration: the first featured a procession with zurna music and New Year’s wishes, while the second centered on an event with food, wine, and an orchestra. This comparison helps distinguish the two occasions rather than combining them into a single festival. Those interested in local festival culture can therefore explore two specific and clearly distinct examples.
Kite Festival on Clean Monday
The fourth kite festival organized by the Pontian Association of Makrochori in 2026 centered on the traditional Koulouma celebration on Clean Monday. The event took place in the local recreation park and combined kite flying with music and a celebration for all age groups. Families, groups of friends, and children took part. Unlike the Christmas events, this edition was defined by kites and festivities in the park. The participation of these groups illustrates the event’s communal nature and adds a different kind of celebration to the two December occasions.
A Road Race with Clearly Specified Routes
The 8th Dromos 21 Mathiton 2026, held on March 29, offers a sporting perspective. The road race was 10.7 kilometers long and ran on paved roads with no major elevation changes. Both the start and finish were on Vasileos Georgiou Street. From there, the route followed several roads to DiavatĂł, passed through the village of MĂ©si, and returned to Makrochori. The route is therefore characterized by its length, surface, elevation profile, and course, while the festivals are defined by their occasion and program. When comparing travel options, the type of event that interests you is just as relevant as the date.
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For the broader travel guide: Imathia.
