Where to get into the Carnival Spirit this week in Athens
It’s that time of the year again – to don your masks, let your hair down and get into the Dionysian spirit! The City of Athens knows how to throw a party and you are all invited!
Get ready for a week full of parades, music, colourful costumes and dancing in the streets. The City of Athens has planned fun-filled festive agenda with much revelry, dancing and festive cheer around every neighbourhood – and what’s more, its free! Take your children along for face-painting sessions and kite-flying, follow the sounds of Brazilian drummers or sway to bluesy music at Monastiraki –or just join the street party outfitted in your best carnival gear.
There are so many events lined up that its impossible to list them all. But here’s a brief look at some of the highlights. Please visit cityofathens.gr for a detailed Carnival programme.
Tuesday 25/02
10 am – 1 pm: Children’s Carnival Celebration, Kypseli Municipal Market
A lively carnival celebration for children featuring music, dance, and festive activities, with the participation of local primary schools from the 6th Municipal Community of Athens.
7 pm: “Satirical Songs, Traditions & Carnival Dances,” OTE Cultural Centre
Experience the playful side of Apokries with a musical and dance performance by the Traditional Music Orchestra and Dance Group of the OTE Employees’ Cultural Centre of Attica.
Thursday 27/02
10.30 am: Carnival Parade, Attiki Square – Agios Panteleimonas Square
Join the carnival spirit as local schools and cultural groups parade through the streets with music, drumming, and lively performances, bringing Apokries energy to the neighbourhoods of Attiki and Agios Panteleimonas.
Saturday 01/03
11 am: Children’s Carnival Celebration, Mayor Dimitris Bei Park
A fun-filled carnival event for kids featuring animators, giant mascots, face painting, and a traditional gaitanaki ribbon dance.
11 am: Children’s Carnival Celebration, Agia Aikaterini Square
Enjoy a lively children’s carnival celebration with games, face painting, balloon creations, and a piñata.
11 am: Children’s Carnival Celebration, Agios Andreas Lamprinis Square
A festive Apokries gathering with animators, giant mascots, face painting, and a traditional gaitanaki ribbon dance.
11 am: Children’s Carnival Celebration, Gkyzi Square
Join a carnival party for kids with games, mascots, clowns, face painting, and balloon creations.
12 pm – 2 pm: “Two Grooms – One Bride” Outdoor Performance, Klafthmonos Square
Watch a unique outdoor performance by the Laïko Zakynthino Theatro of the Union of Zakynthians of Athens, inspired by 17th-century carnival traditions.
Sunday 02/03
11 am: Children’s Carnival Celebration, Athanasios Diakos Square (Thymarakia)
A festive carnival event for kids featuring games, mascots, clowns, face painting, and balloon creations.
11 am: Children’s Carnival Celebration, Pinelopi Delta Square
Enjoy a lively children’s carnival celebration with games, face painting, balloon creations, and a piñata.
5 pm: Grand Carnival Parade, Syntagma Square – Ermou – Aiolou – Kotzia Square
Experience the grand Athens carnival parade with costumed revellers, stilt walkers, dance performances, and a spectacular Chinese dragon. The Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra sets the rhythm, while live radio broadcasts keep the party going from Syntagma and Kotzia Squares.
7 pm: Live Concert with Decibel Band, Kotzia Square
End the night on a high note with a dynamic live concert by Decibel Band, blending Apokries energy with vibrant tunes.
Monday 03/03 (Clean Monday – Kathara Deftera)
11 am: Koulouma, Philopappou Hill
Celebrate Kathara Deftera in true Athenian style with traditional kite flying, music, and a festive outdoor gathering.
11.30 am: Philharmonic Orchestra Musical Walk, Philopappou Hill
Enjoy a musical stroll through Filopappou Hill as the Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra fills the air with festive tunes.
11.30 am: Traditional Folk Celebration with Lenten Delicacies, Philopappou Hill
Dance, sing, and feast on Lenten delicacies as singer Giota Griva leads a joyful celebration to mark the end of the carnival season.
Various dates and times, please check the full programme above.
For more info: cityofathens.gr
