SOHOS
🏔️ Where History Meets Nature 🌿
Nestled on Mount Vertiskos, Sohos is a village of endless forests, historic trails, and timeless
traditions. In Sohos, the fresh mountain air fills your lungs, the charming alleys whisper tales
and unfold stories of centuries past and nature becomes the ultimate playground for
adventure.
Like an athlete preparing for the big race, Sohos has shaped its identity through the
harmonious coexistence of people and nature. With roots tracing back to the ancient
Egnatia Road, every path here is a journey back to the authentic Greece.
🌲 A place that takes you away
From forest trails and ancient oak trees to ridges with endless view, Sohos offers a unique
canvas for nature and adventure lovers. Every path invites you to escape the everyday
routine and discover the authentic.
🧡 One Village, One Family
Sohos isn’t just a destination—it’s a hospitality experience. Picture a welcoming family table,
filled with authentic flavors, traditional music, and open arms. Here, every visitor becomes
part of the story.
⚡ Sohos Mountain Games and Tradition
The Sohos Mountain Games is much more than just a race. It’s a tribute to the mountain
itself, a chance to feel the freedom of running in nature, and an opportunity to join a big
community that loves adventure.
🎭 Sohos, a Village of Tradition
🎉 The Famous Sohos Carnival
Visit Sohos, along with thousands of guests from all over Greece, during the three- day festival of Clean Monday, which is the peak of the Carnival celebrations, and you will meet “Meriou”, the Sohos bell-bearer as called by the locals. With his dazzling costume, impressive stature, and the commanding sound of his bells, he embodies the very spirit of the Sohos Carnival with every step.
Visit Sohos, along with thousands of guests from all over Greece, during the three- day festival of Clean Monday, which is the peak of the Carnival celebrations, and you will meet “Meriou”, the Sohos bell-bearer as called by the locals. With his dazzling costume, impressive stature, and the commanding sound of his bells, he embodies the very spirit of the Sohos Carnival with every step.
🎉 The Bell-Bearers (Koudounoforoi)
The goat-shaped Bell-bearers, known as "Meriou" from Sohos, Thessaloniki, have deep roots as they are ancient remnants of Dionysian and Bacchic rites. They embody the "awe" and the primordial sacredness of pre-Christian instincts and emotions. The Bell-bearer of Sochos is an element inscribed in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The goat-shaped Bell-bearers, known as "Meriou" from Sohos, Thessaloniki, have deep roots as they are ancient remnants of Dionysian and Bacchic rites. They embody the "awe" and the primordial sacredness of pre-Christian instincts and emotions. The Bell-bearer of Sochos is an element inscribed in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
🤼 "Aide, barmpades!" (A traditional phrase meaning "Onward, elders!")
«Άιντε μπαρμπάδες»
With this cry, and to the sounds of traditional musical instruments, the "Pechlevanides" (Pechlevan wrestlers) of Sohos both in the past and present, urged spectators from every corner of the Balkans to admire the famous “Panigiri” (Feast) of the Holy Apostles of Sohos, held at the “Menelaos Vasilikos” Stadium.
The stadium is located in one of the most beautiful spots of the village, in a lush green mountainside setting with panoramic views. So, if you find yourself in Sochos between June 28 and 30, all roads lead to the “Menelaos Vasilikos” Stadium.
«Άιντε μπαρμπάδες»
With this cry, and to the sounds of traditional musical instruments, the "Pechlevanides" (Pechlevan wrestlers) of Sohos both in the past and present, urged spectators from every corner of the Balkans to admire the famous “Panigiri” (Feast) of the Holy Apostles of Sohos, held at the “Menelaos Vasilikos” Stadium.
The stadium is located in one of the most beautiful spots of the village, in a lush green mountainside setting with panoramic views. So, if you find yourself in Sochos between June 28 and 30, all roads lead to the “Menelaos Vasilikos” Stadium.
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Theoskepastos (the God-Sheltered Virgin
Mary)
Every year on September 8, the Holy Monastery is visited by a great number of pilgrims from all over the world, as it welcomes the Miraculous Icon of Panagia Gorgoepikoos, which comes from the “Garden of the Virgin”—the Holy Monastery of Docheiariou on Mount Athos—and remains here for one week.
Every year on September 8, the Holy Monastery is visited by a great number of pilgrims from all over the world, as it welcomes the Miraculous Icon of Panagia Gorgoepikoos, which comes from the “Garden of the Virgin”—the Holy Monastery of Docheiariou on Mount Athos—and remains here for one week.
The Lower Market area (Sohos Local Museum)
The Local Museum of Sohos is located in the Lower Market, which was once the commercial center of the village. Dedicated to the history of the village, it respectfully preserves the passion and creativity of the local people for the extraordinary and unique custom of the Bell Bearers, highlights moments from the traditional festival’s Freestyle Wrestling events, and showcases aspects of everyday life from a bygone era.
The Local Museum of Sohos is located in the Lower Market, which was once the commercial center of the village. Dedicated to the history of the village, it respectfully preserves the passion and creativity of the local people for the extraordinary and unique custom of the Bell Bearers, highlights moments from the traditional festival’s Freestyle Wrestling events, and showcases aspects of everyday life from a bygone era.
Sohos Equestrian Club
The riders of the Sochos Equestrian Club do not saddle up only for the feast of Saint George. You can often see members on horseback during rides and parades both within and beyond the village. The club welcomes visitors, who want to explore the excellent facilities that have been created.
The riders of the Sochos Equestrian Club do not saddle up only for the feast of Saint George. You can often see members on horseback during rides and parades both within and beyond the village. The club welcomes visitors, who want to explore the excellent facilities that have been created.
Sohos Motorcycle Club– M.O.C.
Sochos Motorcycle Club (M.O.C.) enlivens the community with its annual Pan-Balkan motorcycle gathering, which takes place on the first Sunday of July at “Menelaos Vasilikos” Stadium. Motorcycles of all types and sizes are there, along with improvised amateur self-propelled constructions. More than 500 bikers compete for the title of best moto. The competition is followed by awards ceremony and commemorative souvenirs.
Sochos Motorcycle Club (M.O.C.) enlivens the community with its annual Pan-Balkan motorcycle gathering, which takes place on the first Sunday of July at “Menelaos Vasilikos” Stadium. Motorcycles of all types and sizes are there, along with improvised amateur self-propelled constructions. More than 500 bikers compete for the title of best moto. The competition is followed by awards ceremony and commemorative souvenirs.
Yiannis Glavinas Open-Air Theatre
Heading up the mountain, it is well worth visiting the “Yiannis Glavinas” Open-Air Theatre, a cultural venue that offers unique experiences in the heart of nature
Heading up the mountain, it is well worth visiting the “Yiannis Glavinas” Open-Air Theatre, a cultural venue that offers unique experiences in the heart of nature
Sohos Stone Bridge
On the far side of the mountain, near the border with the Serres Regional Unit, among steep ravines and towering rocks, the “Gouliama Riaka” of Sohos flows beneath a stone bridge of unknown age. It is a large river and one of the most picturesque spots in our area, impressing even the most demanding explorers.
On the far side of the mountain, near the border with the Serres Regional Unit, among steep ravines and towering rocks, the “Gouliama Riaka” of Sohos flows beneath a stone bridge of unknown age. It is a large river and one of the most picturesque spots in our area, impressing even the most demanding explorers.
