Carnival in Greece
Carnival customs in Greece
The most colorful celebration of the year is undoubtedly the one about the carnival. Masks, dressing up, parties, dancing, improvised or organized parades with themed rides are what the carnival in Greece is about. Around February, before Ash Monday (or Clean Monday) begins and the Lent season leading up to Easter, young and old crowds who are into costumes and masks have a blast, turning the gloomy winter into a colorful affair. The center of the events is the Carnival of the city of Patras, but other regions of Greece have great Carnival festivities, such as Xanthi, Naoussa, Kastoria and several islands.
The carnival in ancient Greece was associated with the god of revelry, Dionysus, and many of these ancient customs have reached us today. The celebrations were intended, through disguises and celebrations, to drive away the evil spirits that prevented the land from bearing fruit. The perfect connection between nature and philosophy.
During the Patras Carnival
Carnival around the world
Carnival is celebrated in several countries of the world with Brazil and the Rio de Janeiro carnival being the queen of festivities. If Latin America is too far for you and you want something a bit more on the European side, the Carnival of Venice is one of the most theatrical ones, with the enchanting Italian lagoon as its backdrop. Unknown to many, but equally spectacular is the Nice Carnival in France, with its famous Parade of Flowers. A little further up north, the carnival in Germany centers around Cologne, where fancy costumes and plenty of beer are a must.
When does the carnival start in 2023
This year's “triodion” season, as it is called in Greek, starts on January 21 and ends on the last weekend of February. Clean Monday in 2023 is on February 27. The last three days are the peak of the festive events all over Greece. The last week of the carnival is called the week of Tyrini or Tyrofagos. The second week of the triodion, which also includes Chiknopepti (meat Thursday), is called Creatini.
Aegina: Within just an hour-long boat ride from Athens, you can travel to one of the best low budget islands and celebrate the carnival together with the locals. Unlike most islands, the center of events is not near a port, but the village of Mesagros. You will certainly find events in Perdika and the town of Aegina, but the carnival "Island Wedding" takes place in Mesagro, which is 9 kilometers from Agia Marina.
Info: Aegina is connected to Piraeus, Agistri, Poros and Methana.
Zakynthos: The carnival on the island of the Ionian is not limited only to its main Chora, but it also takes place in various villages. On the last weekend of the carnival season, a happy procession takes place, along with a parade of floats and joyous participants. The end of the events is marked by the "Funeral of the Mask", where the Carnival King is buried in a satirical reenactment.
Info: Zakynthos is connected to Kyllini.
Carnival events in Zakynthos
Crete
Rethymnon: The Carnival in Rethymnon was organized for the first time in 1914. It is the best known and the biggest carnival in Crete and the third largest in Greece, with thousands of participants and visitors every year. The first organized carnival with floats takes place in 1960 and has the blessings of the Municipality, the Lyceum of Hellenic Girls and other organizations. In 1990, the Treasure Hunt began and since then it has become a favorite of carnival lovers as well. At the same time, Cretan carols are a custom, where traditional musicians with lyras, mandolins and lutes fill the streets of the city with melodies. This year, it is estimated that the participations will be over 15,000 thousand.
Info: Rethymnon is 80 km from the port of Heraklion and 55 km from Chania. Rethymnon is connected to Piraeus, Santorini and Milos.
Rethymnon hosts the biggest Carnival of Crete
Malia: In the land of hippies, Carnival celebrations begin on Friday. Brazil's Rio is brought to Crete with a carnival full of joy and fun. It started in the 80s and every year it gathers more and more entries. Stiltwalkers, dancers from Brazil, students, parents, original costumes and floats fill the main avenue of Malia.
Info: The town is 35 kilometers from the port in Heraklion.
Naxos: The Dionysian Carnival of Naxos is an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. It is inspired by Ancient Greece and the god Dionysus. On Tyrini Sunday, the spectacular carnival parade takes place in the city of Naxos. In the village of Agersanoi, the residents dress up as Cordelatoi and Cordelatisses (male and female), wearing uniforms with colored ribbons. In the picturesque mountain village of Naxos, Apeiranthos, the islanders disguise themselves as Bellmen, hold phalluses and wear costumes with bells, in order to make noise and scare away the evil spirits.
Info: Naxos is connected to many ports including Piraeus, Paros, Amorgos, Santorini, Ios, Tinos and Folegandros. See all routes here, on Let's Ferry.
The "Cordelatoi" of Naxos
Chios: Three major events comprise the carnival in Chios: "The Dead", "Aga" and "Mostra". All are based on customs of past centuries and are revived every year on the island. "The Dead" is held in Agios Georgios Sykousis, a mountain village 15 kilometers from the island's port. It is about the funeral and the opening of the will of the deceased, with a phallic connotation. "Agas" has its roots in the time of the Turkish occupation and takes place in the Masticha villages on Clean Monday. A villager impersonates Aga, sits on a platform and accuses the villagers of various misdemeanors he makes up on the spot. Finally, "Mostra" is a re-enactment of a battle in Thymiana, a village 8 km from the port, between Thymianoussians and Corsairs, while the participants dance the traditional Talimi dance. When the battle ends they dance the Deto, a dance of reconciliation. At the end of the evening there is a parade with the Carnival in the village square.
Info: Chios is connected to Piraeus, Lavrio, Ai Stratis, Ikaria, Mytilini, Samos, Leros, Kavala, Lemnos, Thessaloniki and Mykonos.
The "Mostra" event during Chios Carnival
Skyros: The island of the Sporades maintains its authentic character even during the carnival season. The theme of the carnival is the destruction of the herds of Skyros after a severe storm. The main characters are the Old Man, Corella and the Frank. The Old Men are also called Koudounatoi (bell-clad men), since they wear bells and go to the alleys of the island, where, according to fables, they inform the residents about the damage. On Clean Monday, the "Trata" takes place, where the locals set up theatrical sketches in the street to mock current events.
Info: Skyros is connected to Kymi.
Book a holiday for the three days of Ash (or Clean) Monday to revive centuries-old customs and get into a festive mood. Organize an excursion to an island, after first looking at schedules and booking ferry tickets here, at Let's Ferry.