Greek Carnival: Finding the Heart of the Apokries Celebration

Winter in Greece is about more than just mild sun and quiet strolls without the tourist crowds. While the ancient ruins rest in silence, the Greek streets suddenly burst to life, exploding with colors, the sounds of lyres, and boisterous parades. This is Apokries — three weeks of Greek Carnival before Great Lent. It’s a time when even the most serious Greeks put on masks, head to the squares, and completely forget about their daily chores.

The name of the holiday literally means «farewell to meat.» Unlike stylish Venice or hot Rio, the Greek carnival feels very homegrown and sincere. There are no invisible boundaries between performers and spectators: if you’re just standing on the sidewalk, you’ll easily be pulled into a group dance or showered from head to toe in confetti.

When to Go?

The dates change every year following the church calendar. In 2026, the carnival marathon unfolds in February, and here are three days you should mark in red on your calendar:

• February 12, 2026 — Tsiknopempti (Meat Thursday). The day when a mouth-watering smell of grilled meat wafts over all of Greece: by tradition, everyone fires up the BBQ.

• February 21–22, 2026 — The Peak of the Celebration. The big weekend featuring the main parades and all-night parties.

• February 23, 2026 — Clean Monday. Time to fly kites, enjoy outdoor picnics with friends, and try delicious Lenten dishes.

Below, we’ll take a quick look at the most exciting spots to celebrate, so you can choose the one that fits your vibe best.

If you’re looking for high energy and massive scale, head to Patras in the Peloponnese. The tradition here dates back to the 19th century, and today, tens of thousands of people join the parades. It’s the perfect spot for groups of friends and young travelers — just be ready for the crowds, the noise, and the absolute fun in the city center.

Everything here is on a grand scale: giant satirical floats, a night parade on Saturday when the city turns into one open-air dance floor, and the dramatic burning of the Carnival King at the port. One of the most beloved local traditions is the «sokolatopolemos». Teams in festive vans cruise through the streets throwing thousands of chocolates to the crowds — it’s a sweet, chaotic scramble that everyone tries to win.

But the magic of Patras isn’t just in the main parade; it’s in the hidden parties and the months of preparation. Local workshops work around the clock for months crafting the massive papier-mâché floats that poke fun at everything from global politics to daily life.When the sun goes down, the entire port area transforms into a sea of music and dancing that lasts until the first light of Clean Monday.

The Carnival of Rethymno on the island of Crete stands out with its unique traditions, such as «kantades» — musical evenings where groups of locals perform romantic serenades in the narrow alleys of the Old Town. The celebration gets an extra dose of excitement from the treasure hunt, where teams of children and adults compete, turning the entire city into a massive playground.

th-to-node=»2″>The main event is the grand parade of satirical floats called «armas.» These mobile decorations are handcrafted by local communities over many months, often poking fun at current political and social themes.

The festivities culminate in the spectacular burning of the Carnival King, symbolizing the end of the revelry and the beginning of Great Lent. Right after that, Rethymno transforms into a giant open-air party with live music and dancing until the early morning hours.

For those seeking the «real» Greece, there is the town of Naoussa in the north. The local carnival is living history. The main characters here are «Genitsari and Boules» — men in traditional costumes and wax masks. It’s a powerful and even somewhat mystical sight.

Meanwhile, the Xanthi carnival is famous for its hospitality and a light Balkan vibe. It’s considered one of the most budget-friendly options, but its grand parade is just as vibrant as the top leaders.

If you decide to stay in Athens, check out the Plaka district. Right under the shadow of the Acropolis, you’ll find charming, cozy processions. On Clean Monday, the sky above Philopappos Hill blooms with hundreds of colorful kites.

• Accommodation: Think about booking well in advance. If you like peace and quiet, look for hotels away from the main squares; otherwise, the music will be thumping under your window until morning.

• What to pack: Toss comfortable shoes and a warm jacket into your suitcase — Greek evenings in February can be deceptively chilly.

• Costume: Make sure to buy at least a mask or a bright wig. Luckily, carnival outfits are sold everywhere these days — from huge supermarkets to tiny corner shops.

During Greek Carnival, being «just a tourist» isn’t an option: Greece will pull you into this whirlwind of fun regardless, and you’ll definitely want to be a part of it!