carnival festival greece

The carnival festival Greece – traditions and celebrations

January 7, 2021

The carnival festival Greece or the Patras Carnival is not only the biggest carnival in Greece but also one of the biggest and best carnival celebrations in all of Europe. It has a history of more than 180 years. Basically the events begin on 17th January and last up to the Clean Monday. The carnival of Patras is not a single event but a variety of events that includes balls, parades, hidden treasures hunt and many more things as events of the program. There are many other things that are included in the carnival like the evening parade or carnival groups, the extravagant Sunday parade of floats and groups, and finally the ritual burning of the carnival king at the St. Nikolaos Street pier in the harbor of Patras. We have mentioned all the details related to the Patras Carnival in this blog. 

What is Patras carnival?

carnival festival greece

Patras carnival festival Greece is the largest carnival event in Greece and the second largest in Europe which celebrates Aporkies, Aporkies in Greece is the carnival season that usually begins around ten weeks prior to Greek Orthodox Easter and finishes on Clean Monday. 

When is Patras carnival 2020 going to be held?

This Carnival usually begins on 17th January and finishes on Clean Monday. That makes the 2021 dates of Patras carnival start on 17th January 2021 and finish on Monday, 2nd March 2021. 

How is Patras Carnival celebrated?

Basically, Patras carnival is a celebration filled with color, music, dance, feasting, partying, drinking and merrymaking. That is why it is said that Patras carnival is not just one event but is full of events and activities for the whole family. 

carnival festival greece

There are many events like parades, masquerade balls, street parties, a hidden treasure hunt, theatre and music performances and even a children’s carnival. The Grand Parade is the main event and highlight of the Patras Carnival, as is the Treasure Hunt Game that occurs across the city.

How is the opening ceremony or Patras celebrated?

It is regardless of the fact that when Lent occurs the Carnival of Patras begins on the feast of St Anthony which is always the 17th January. Usually the event begins with a town crier who strolls through the street inviting the locals to the opening ceremony of Patras that will be held in evening at George Square. 

Almost every time, the Patras Carnival program is kept a secret until the very last moment, till the town’s mayor declares carnival as open. 

Now you must be excited about the Carnival festival Greece, as you have read about its activities and events. The people who attend the carnival almost recommend it as the best carnival. You can easily enjoy the Greece carnival traditions over than and see a lot many new and unique events and things. Easily get your Greece visa and travel for the best festival to enjoy Greece and its culture .