Carnival Time in Greece

You know that the third largest Carnival celebration in the world, right after New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro may be Patras , a Greek city on the Peloponnese peninsula? Surprised? Patras has a well-established carnival scene ideal for tourists and locals alike, it's far from being the only celebration in Greece.

So, if you have never considered Carnival in Greece, this is a great year to do so. The late Easter pulls Carnival out of February and into mid-March, a great time to visit Greece. Flights are cheap, hotel prices are low, and you won't work up a sweat climbing the Acropolis.

Why are the Carnival dates different from Mardi Gras?
In Greece, Carnival dates are tied to Greek Orthodox Easter, which is usually different from Western Easter. Only the Greek Orthodox carnival dates are widely celebrated in Greece.

When Should I go?
For the traveler to Greece, the most vigorous party is on the weekend prior to the end of the Carnival season. This is followed by Clean Monday or "Ash Monday", a generally family-oriented day where, in Athens, picnics and kite-flying prevail. "Clean Monday" is the last day of Carnival for the Greeks.

Why are the Greeks so good at putting on Carnival?
They invented it. Most carnival-related events are connected with the ancient worship of the Greek god of wine and divine intoxication, Dionysus. The processions, costuming, and feasting all derive from ancient ceremonies honoring him and other Greek gods and goddesses, though some claim parts of it, including the carrying of models of ships in processions, date back to similar rites in Ancient Egypt. My personal opinion? Those pleasure-loving Minoans had a hand in it too.

Important Dates in the Carnival Season:
40 days before the beginning of Lent, Carnival begins on a Saturday evening with the opening of the Triodion, a book containing three sacred odes. This is a religious moment not generally observed outside of the church itself.

The Friday, Saturday, and Sunday preceding "Clean Monday" usually offer vigorous parties, parades, and traditional events wherever Carnival is celebrated. In larger towns or cities "known" for Carnival, such as Patras, Athens, Naousa, Xanthi, and Rethymno the previous weekend will also be filled with activities.

The last Sunday of the Carnival period is known as "Cheese-eating Sunday" or Tyrofagos as no meat products are allowed at this time. Macaroni is often served on this day. Surprisingly enough, the word "macaroni" is not Italian, but comes from the Greek words macaria or "blessed", and aeronia or "eternal". Thus, "macaroni". The preceding day, Saturday, is a special service for the dead in Orthodox churches, and part of the rites includes the making of grain dishes, probably a survival of the ancient rites of Demeter. Thus, "macaroni".

"Clean Monday" or Kathari Deftera, is the actually the first day of Lent (Sarakosti). While a holiday atmosphere still prevails, the foods consumed are all "pure", without the shedding of blood. But this allows cuttlefish and squid, fish roe, and other items. "Lagana" is a flat bread traditionally served on this day.