Spring time in Greece

Gaitanaki is the Greek word for Maypole. It is an old carnival custom prevails to this day connecting the past with the present.
The Greek Maypole is a combination of dancing and singing full of joy and entertainment. The custom bears its name from the colourful ribbons hanging from a big pole named Gaitania . The ribbons are fixed on the top of the pole
There have to be dancers, equal to the number of the ribbons, holding them , while dancing around the pole.
Today, this Greek custom mostly takes place during carnival season.
In Greece, the word Carnival refers to the three-week time before Easter , for that reason our pupils are dancing holding not only the ribbons but also the flags of the European Union , showing the union and the friendship of the peoples.