A traditional Pontian celebration in the western Thessaloniki district of Nikopoli descended into violence late Friday after a large brawl involving around 20 people left four individuals injured and prompted a major police response, according to local authorities and media reports.
@ta_nea.gr 🚨 Θεσσαλονίκη: Άγρια συμπλοκή σε ποντιακό γλέντι στη Νικόπολη. Περίπου 20 άτομα ενεπλάκησαν σε βίαιη συμπλοκή, με καρέκλες και τραπέζια να εκτοξεύονται στο πλήθος. Το γλέντι μετατράπηκε σε χάος μπροστά σε οικογένειες και παιδιά, με τραυματισμό και μεταφορά στο ΑΧΕΠΑ, ενώ η ΕΛΑΣ προχώρησε σε προσαγωγές. Πηγή: thesspost.gr #thessaloniki #skg #police #news #tanea ♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – ΤΑ ΝΕΑ
Pontians are ethnic Greeks whose communities historically originated in the Black Sea region, particularly along the southern coast of present-day Turkey. Pontian cultural events, known for traditional music, dancing, and strong community ties, are common across northern Greece, where many descendants settled following population exchanges and displacement in the first quarter of the 20th century.
Video published by a local outlet showed chaotic scenes at the event, with participants throwing plastic chairs, tables, and bottles before exchanging punches and kicks. The cause of the altercation remains unclear.
Police said four people were injured, including an 18-year-old woman who suffered facial injuries and three men, aged 19, 26, and 36, who sustained abrasions and head wounds.
Two of the older injured men were believed to have attempted to intervene in an effort to calm the situation before becoming caught up in the violence themselves.
