The Custom of Zafeiris

Across Epirus and parts of Macedonia, one of Greece’s most charming Easter and springtime traditions comes to life — the custom of Zafiris. Known by different names in various regions, such as “Maiopoulos” or “Fyskodentri”, this age-old ritual symbolizes the rebirth of nature and the resurrection of life after winter.

The celebration is essentially a children’s folk play. One child takes on the role of Zafiris, representing the “dead,” while the others gather flowers, leaves, and grasses to decorate him, mourning with reeds instead of candles. When the ritual “lament” ends, all the children shout joyfully,
“Get up, Zafiris, get up!”

At that moment, the “dead” child springs to life, chasing and laughing with the others — a playful reenactment of resurrection and renewal, echoing both Easter’s spiritual message and the awakening of spring in rural Greece.