The influence of Dionysus on the gastronomy of Drama...
Gastronomy in the Land of Dionysus
The god Dionysos was worshiped in the country of the Idones, although Dionysos was a popular god, he was included as an equal in the Twelve Gods of Olympus without distinction. As symbols of the god, the thyrsos, the nebrida, the ivy leaves, the double pelecys, the vine, the beetle, the skyphos and the asci (the main means of transporting wine along with the krater) were considered. Later, when the god Dionysus takes over the protection of flora and fauna, he is automatically associated with the existence of the phallus as an element of fertility. The wide spread of the worship of the god in the country of the Idons, which in its large area, are even today overwhelmed by wild grapes. The excavations, carried out a few years ago in the Neolithic settlements of Sitagri and Arcadian Drama, brought to light wild grape seeds, which were considered to be the most ancient in the Greek area. The cultivation of the vine, especially in the prefecture of Drama, has revived in our days, to such an extent that it is a serious economic source for the place.Before the revival of the systematic cultivation of the vine in the area of Drama, we had its cultivation in the villages: Petrousa, Choristi, Doxato, Nikiforos, Agios Athanasios, Monastiraki, Kali Vrysi, north of the city of Drama (vineyard area opposite the hospital), in Vineyards, in the area of Agios Tryfons etc. Of course, this type of viticulture was mainly for personal use and little for the marketing and production of alcoholic beverages, mainly for family use. So, they rightly characterized the Thracians (Idonos) as over-drinkers and over-drinkers. The widespread worship of the god Dionysus in the land of the Idones is eloquently demonstrated by the presence of his sanctuaries, inscriptions, statues, coins, on which his form has been depicted, vase painting, myths, traditions and the remains of his cult, which have survived to this day in many villages of the region.In gastronomy, the influence of Dionysus is evident to this day as products similar to those of antiquity continue to be cultivated and are also prominently present in local dishes. The protagonist is of course the grape! Not only in the form of wine, but also as fruit, leaves, must and other derivatives. The local cuisine has clearly been influenced by the multiculturalism of the region, since Drama received a large wave of refugees from Asia Minor, Pontus, Bulgaria, etc. Nevertheless, the local tradition and customs of Dionysus are still celebrated by all the inhabitants and are revived every year with respect and reverence. These customs largely determine the crops as they signal the arrival of spring!
Dramas cuisine is not just a few special recipes! Dramas cuisine starts from the field and the stable. There begins the production of the unique quality that ends up in every kind of recipe on our table!
You can get to know the local gastronomy with a visit to the local producers, to the unique aesthetic and quality local wineries and of course, to the local restaurants where you can taste local flavors through traditional or modern recipes!
