Athens Welcomes Carnival Season with Dozens of Free Events

The municipality of Athens welcomes Carnival season with 80 events at 55 locations across the city and invites residents and visitors to join the fun.

On Tsiknopempti, March 7, a large parade will head to Monastiraki Square and to the nearby Varvakeios meat market where traditional grills will be set up for the day.

The municipality has also organized parties for young and old at the city’s squares, a grand celebration and ball masque at Zappeion Park on March 17, traditional happenings in Plaka, concert, theater and dance shows.

Photo source: OPANDA

Children’s activities will be on offer at the Athens Art Gallery, the Museum of Popular Art and Tradition Angeliki Hatzimichali, the Plato Academy Digital Museum, and the Hellenic Children’s Museum (HCM), among others.

“For 23 days, every neighborhood in Athens will be flooded with music, dance, song and cultural events. Let’s have fun together, be kids again, revive traditional Carnival customs, and create memories that will accompany us for many years to come,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.

Photo source: OPANDA

The focus this year, according to the municipal authority, is on reviving age-old Greek Carnival traditions. Participating in the festivities are cultural and heritage associations from Zakynthos, Lesvos, and other destinations, the Athens Philharmonic and Big Band, the Bloco Swingueira percussionists and dozens of dance and theater troupes.

Photo source: OPANDA

This year’s Athens Carnival celebrations will peak on the weekend of Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday) on March 18 and will include traditional kite-flying on Filopappou Hill to the music of the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.

All events are free of charge.