Athens Carnival Season Kicks Off with Music, Dance, Theater Events

Festivities for the carnival season kick off in Athens on September 27 and will last for 16 days, with more than 70 events scheduled to take place in the capital’s center and neighborhoods.

Organized by the City of Athens Culture, Sports and Youth Organization, the carnival festivities aim to revive local traditional carnival customs through music, dance, theater performances and happenings for children.

Plaka, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, Thissio, as well as Kypseli, Koukaki, Patisia, Pagkrati and Petralona are some of the neighborhoods that will host carnival events.

From Ash Thursday, February 8, until Saturday, February 10, central Syntagma square will host numerous festivities with traditional music and local customs.

Furthermore, on Sunday, February 11, children will have their own party at the National Gardens. Nearby, the Zapio area will transform into a big stage and host concerts, dance shows and many surprises.

Throughout the carnival season the municipality’s museums, libraries, cultural centers and creative education centers will be open for young visitors who wish to participate in carnival activities, performances and workshops.

The Carnival festivities will come to a close with the Clean Monday celebrations on February 19 on Philopappou Hill and at the KAPAPS park in the area of Ambelokipi, with events including the traditional lagana bread and halva sweet, traditional songs and dances.

For the full program of events (in Greek) press here.