Discover Greece as never before by deep diving into its most exhilarating national festivity, the Carnival, with our 2024 guide. This year, mark your calendar for March 17th as the key date of the thrilling Greek Carnival, or “Apokries,” unfolds, beckoning the adventurous soul to experience a side of Greece widely unseen by the casual visitor. This isn’t your average holiday getaway, it’s an invitation to those looking to explore the authentic essence of Greek culture beyond the tourist paths.
Apokries is a time of Dionysian festivities (pertaining to the ancient Greek god Dionysus, symbolising indulgence in wine and uninhibited revelry). It also marks the period before the solemn 40 days of Lent in the Greek Orthodox tradition, which for the devout, involves not eating meat. Meat in Greek is ‘kreas’, thus the Greek word for Carnival, ‘apokries’ meaning ‘abstaining from meat’.
While they may not mirror the extravagant size and bombastic popularity of Rio’s world famous Carnival, the Greek versions we present here each offer their own brand of rich ambience, unique traditions and thrilling revelry, with reenactments of pagan traditions, spirited dances and satirical jests that capture the essence of special communal gatherings, stories kept alive through the ages and free-flowing fun.
So don your mask and dance into a world where myths and contemporary magic merge in a stunning display.
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Patra’s carnival stands as Greece’s most celebrated carnival event, situated just 3.5 hours from Athens in the (very) picturesque region of northern Peloponnese. Each year, it draws a crowd of about 250,000 visitors, a testament to its popularity and scale among Greeks.
The dedication of Patra’s residents and students is evident, as they devote an entire year (!) to planning for this grand event. The result is a vibrant display featuring 60,000 participants who are organized into 150 teams, each bringing their own float.
For visitors who have already delved into the local culture and seek a deeper understanding of Patra carnival’s traditions and nuances, this detailed guide is an excellent resource. Originally intended for a Greek readership, this guide has been made available in English and offers in-depth insights.
For those experiencing the Patra carnival for the first time, navigating the festivities can be a bit daunting. To avoid the challenges an organized day trip is a good starting point.
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Xanthi
Xanthi’s carnival, just 2 hours from Thessaloniki, is celebrated for its vibrant display of culture and community spirit. As the country’s second-largest carnival, it draws around 80,000 visitors each year with its multicultural vibe and the promise.
The festivities in Xanthi start with a spectacular firework show in the main square. The carnival’s highlight is the Grand Carnival Parade on the final Sunday, showcasing elaborate floats and thousands of participants in a vibrant explosion of colors, sounds, and joy.
Given its distance from Athens, a visit to Xanthi’s carnival ideally complements a larger tour of the region. It should include the city of Kavala, offering a deeper immersion into the area’s cultural richness.
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Galaxidi
Experience the exhilarating chaos of the ‘Flour War’ in Galaxidi, a seaside town in central Greece. In this near-anarchic Dionysian celebration (or Mad Max for the fans), participants dressed like desert stormers arm themselves with sacks of flour and colorful paints, transforming the town into a mesmerizing battlefield of hues.
Everyone can participate in the fun. Available for sale are protective gear, full body suits and masks. The flour is distributed before the start of the event. A custom-made masquerade outfit adds a unique touch.
The festivities begin at midday on the town’s bridge and wind through the streets to the harbor, heralded by a lively parade of floats and a series of events leading up to the main day. The tradition, which dates back to the Byzantine era, reaches its climax in the heart of Galaxidi. The epic Flour War symbolizes a period of celebration before the sailors set off on their long journeys.
Beyond the Flour War, Galaxidi and its neighboring surroundings are top destinations to explore, with a wealth of cultural and historical sites, including the ancient olive grove of Amfissa, the mythical site of Delphi and the picturesque town of Arachova.
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Rethimno
Attracting nearly 15,000 participants and transforming the city into a center of festivity and joy, Rethimno’s (or Rethymno) carnival is a major annual event in Crete, Greece’s largest island. Its streets are packed with visitors from all over.
The contagiously vivacious atmosphere is electric, offering an experience that remains memorable year after year.
The medieval and Venetian charm of the city provides a unique backdrop to the festivities, while local groups add to the multicolored spectacle with dances, treasure hunts and traditional Cretan serenades (known as ‘mandinades’). This all makes the Carnival an ideal time to explore Rethimno’s rich culture and history.
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Naousa
Discover the vibrant carnival of Naousa (1h from Thessaloniki), through a festivity that brings history, tradition and fun to life. The carnival unfolds over the two Sundays of the season and engages the city’s youth in a display of rebellion and camaraderie.
At the heart of this event is the captivating custom of “Genitsari and Boules”. It’s in honor of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. Men wear the “genitsari” costume, with masks and mustaches that point upright, while the “boula” costume, once worn only by men but today worn by both sexes, completes the pair with its white and red tones, which symbolize death and rebirth.
Carnival in Naousa is not just a party; it’s a living history that celebrates freedom, identity and community spirit. Whether it’s the theatricality, the music or the dancing that draws you in, Naousa’s carnival is an unforgettable experience that reveals the heart and soul of its people. It’s also an opportunity to get a first taste of Thessaloniki, one of Greece’s most exciting cities.
We Know What We’re Talking About
Alexia Amvrazi knows Greece like few others, especially when it comes to Greek travel, wellness, gastronomy and culture. She’s the Editor-in-Chief of the International edition of Travel.gr, the co-author of the guidebook ‘111 Places in Athens You Must Not Miss’, former presenter of a 10-year daily radio show about Greek life at AIR FM and, for the past 15 years, the mastermind behind the always up-to-date Fodor’s Greece guides’ Athens chapter. She has a knack for recognising beauty and potential and is a true citizen of the world.
