ORGANIZATION OF FOLK ATHLETIC GAMES IN THRACE

The aim of this paper is to study folk games which were organized by the Greek at cultural events in Thrace taking as its source the literature that has been published on the topic and fieldwork materials. Research has revealed that Thracians celebrated almost every festival and celebration with wrestling matches or a horse racing event. These spontaneous athletic games were connected with religion while these were often performed at religious festivals. The winners were mostly awarded lambs and goats, which were the offerings of believers to the church or offerings of shepherds for having had a good year and for their flocks. At special weddings, the Greek also organized horse races and wrestling matches.