Literally translating to flour-smudging, Alevromoutzouroma is a traditional flour throwing festival taking place every Clean Monday (the Monday marking the beginning of Lent) in the historic port of Galaxidi (Map) Central Greece. Galaxidi was an strategic fortified stronghold since antiquity controlling trade routes in the 170km fjord known as the Gulf of Corinth, and serving as the sea gateway to Delphi. The name Galaxidi is either derived from Haleion, its ancient name, or from galatsida, a local herb with a caustic milk-like juice.

An early version of Alevromoutzouroma feast was documented already in 1801 by Edward Dodwell, an Anglo-Irish painter, writer and traveller (Chapter 4, Vol.1 of A Classical and Topographical Tour through Greece, 1819). Some hypothesize the tradition goes back to Byzantium and it's Hippodrome festivities, but a more plausible explanation is that Galaxidian seafarers had observed similar customs in Sicily or Spain. What is certain is that since the 1840s and into the 1870s, when Galaxidi was the second most important Greek port after Syros island, owning over 300 large sailing ships, it was a celebration to see off seafarers for another season at sea. Whereas the advent of the age of steam led Galaxidi to a gradual decay, with many moving to Piraeus, Alevromoutzouroma stayed and is growing every year thanks to its tourist importance for the present day Galaxidians.

Before the flour starts flying, the local authorities offer free taramosalata (fish roe dip) bread and wine to locals and guests, certainly a boosting combination. The main dish (flour throwing) is served at 14:30: a procession of old cars and tractors converted for the occasion, with a clearly illegal amount of revellers on top, and hundreds of other revellers on foot starts moving slowly from the western entrance of the town, through the narrow and winding main street all the way to the port. Soon you cannot see anything, just follow the others and keep throwing - don't even think of taking out that phone or camera from your pocket (which also explains why there are no pictures from the main segment of the flour war, most images and videos cover the left-overs at the port.)

The feast continues until the long procession arrives at the port and for one or two hours later depending on the weather. Those that do not wish to take part (usually too old or too young), stand, taking pictures and videos, at the other side of the port, next to a delightful pine forest that surrounds a small ancient rock-hewn catacomb.

The minimum protection gear for participants includes goggles, gloves, and something to cover your hair. Most are covered from head to toe with uniforms. The local shops sell everything required (at a small markup - but remember you are supporting the local economy - there is no ticket for the festival) from flour bags, of course, to dust of all possible colours (hopefully not too toxic) uniforms, fancy hats, and other carnival style items The main rule is: only throw floor to anything that moves, so spare the (beautiful, heritage) buildings, shops or restaurants (those on the main street cover up).

To really see Galaxidi however, you must visit on another day. There are numerous sights in and around the town, including the Maritime Museum, which is the oldest of its kind in Greece (est. 1928) and exhibits the largest collection of paintings of Greek 19th c. sailing ships along with marine artifacts and antiquities.

Other sites include the remains of the famed 8-metre high circular ancient wall, an ancient cemetery, the impressive church of St. Nicholas (1902, built on the site of a 7th century church, which in turn was built on top of an ancient temple), and quaint narrow roads with 19th century captain's mansions, some converted into, what else, short-term lettings! A peculiar monument is the so-called Grave of Lokros, a geometric era grave converted into catacomb during early Christian times.

Before leaving don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine with fresh seafood dishes served al fresco at one of the port tavernas. Fittingly with its tourism fame, Galaxidi also hosts the Central Greece Tourism Technical School.

While there has been an actual "Flour War" in France in 1775, riots caused by rising bread prices before the French Revolution, floor and/or dust throwing is a tradition celebrating abundance, spring and fertility in many civilizations, including Holi in India, Els Enfarinats in Alicante, Spain, The Carnival of Guaranda in Ecuador, Mardi Gras Carnival Parade in Ajijic, Mexico, while Jamaica's flouring and Brazil's atiquar traditions are related to birthdays. A recent off spin is the Color Run, a five km paint race taking place in many cities around the world.