Discover Alexandria: Christmas traditions, weekly market and history

Get to know Alexandria through its Christmas traditions, weekly market and eventful local history. Rougatsia and Gourochará are associated with the Christmas season; a market takes place every Saturday morning at the southern entrance to the town. The town’s former name, Gidas, and its historic role in the Roumlouki plain are also part of its story. These offer different starting points for planning your trip: seasonal traditions, a morning at the market or the history of the region.

Rougatsia: dance and music during the Christmas period

During the twelve days of Christmas, large groups of young men in fustanella costumes take part in the Rougatsia tradition as they make their way through the streets of Alexandria. They dance with drawn swords to the music of the zourna and daouli and collect money from local residents. The combination of lively dancing, clothing, swords and music brings the tradition to life and sets it apart from a single celebration at a fixed location. If you would like to visit Alexandria at Christmas, the twelve days of Christmas are the key period to keep in mind. Check the exact dates before your trip.

Gourochará in the courtyard of the Folklore Museum

On the second day of Christmas, Gourochará is celebrated in the courtyard of the Folklore Museum of Alexandria. Visitors can sample roast pork and Tsigarídes there free of charge. This gives the tradition a different focus from Rougatsia: here, the museum courtyard and the named dishes take centre stage, while Rougatsia brings groups, dance and music through the streets. By including the Christmas traditions in your travel plans, you can choose between two distinct ways of experiencing them. Check in advance how the event will be held if you are planning your stay around Gourochará.

A Saturday morning weekly market

The weekly market offers a regular point of reference outside the Christmas traditions. A lively market takes place every Saturday morning at the southern entrance to Alexandria. If your stay includes a Saturday, you can make it a dedicated part of your itinerary. Unlike the Christmas traditions, the market is tied to Saturday mornings; its location at the southern entrance to the town also makes it easy to find. Check the market details locally before you travel.

From Gidas to the Roumlouki plain

Alexandria was formerly called Gidas. The name remained in use until 1953, when the town was renamed in honour of Alexander the Great. The sequence of the two names and the specific year provide a tangible timeframe for the town’s history. The region’s historical context also reaches back into the past: Alexandria was the historic centre of the Roumlouki plain, which has borne this name since Ottoman times. Thus, the town’s former name is complemented by its role in a broader historical landscape. Those interested in history will find a different reason to visit here than the seasonal traditions or weekly market.

Use your travel dates to guide your accommodation search

When searching for a holiday rental in Alexandria, start by considering what matters most to you about your trip. Rougatsia and Gourochará are the main attractions at Christmas; a Saturday morning is ideal for a visit to the market. Alexandria’s historical context adds another focus to these date-specific occasions.

Discover more destinations: Platy, Veria, Asomata, Elafina, Kastanea, Kato Vermio, Makrochori, Koumaria

For the regional travel overview: Imathia.