Carnival in Greece & Carnival customs in Greece…

Carnival is essentially the period leading up to Lent and the preparation for the biggest holiday of

Christianity, Easter.  It allows people to have some fun before Lent

starts on Ash Monday. 

…Carnival in Greece

• When Christianity became the dominant religion, elements of ancient Greek worship were incorporated into the customs and traditions pertaining to the period before Lent

Carnival’s customs in Greece

• Customs and traditions in Greece and the Greek Islands are either of a religious character or coming from paganism. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious.

Xanthi Carnival

The most popular and impressive carnival in Northern Greece is organized each year in the city of Xanthi. It began in 1966, and today has evolved into a full-blown festival in which visitors from all over Greece take part. The epicenter of the celebration is the central square of the city

Carnival at Patras• Few know that in

the region of Patra, there is a bridge (Rio-Antirio Bridge), which, due to geological and geographical difficulties, as well as due to the technological measures which were taken in its construction, is considered to be a modern-day technological miracle

CARNIVAL CUSTOMS in Corfou island (Kerkyra)• The climax of the

celebrations is the impressive procession of King Carnival on the third and final Sunday. King Carnival is 'he who takes onthe burden of sins' of the authorities, responsible for whatever bad things have happened during the previous year.

Tyrnavo’s carnival• The Carnival of Tirnavos is a

custom with strong roots over the years. Many cultural happenings occur, along with theatre nights, and much music and dancing. The events reach a peak during the last Sunday of Carnival, with the Great Float of the chariots, which, inspired by tradition and seasonality, and constructed with imagination and artistry, give a glorious taste to the Carnival of Tirnavos. By Ioannis Ch.