In the villages of Platania, Kallifitos and Sitagroi of Drama we find the custom of the Momogeras, which comes from the Pontian refugees. Their name comes from mimos or momos and old man and is connected to their imitative movements. They wear the skins of wolves or goats or are dressed in the uniforms of people armed with swords in the form of old men. The Momogeri, expecting luck for the new year, go around in groups throughout the twelve days, singing carols or other auspicious verses. When the groups meet, they fake war with each other until one group wins and the other submits. The popular imagination rages with the antics of goblins who find the opportunity to thresh in the upper world, when the waters are "unbaptized". Their appearance is terrifying and their tantrums indescribable, but so is their fear of fire.
