Greek Carnival (Apokries) celebrations are not one-size-fits-all. Each region boasts its own distinct style and local traditions. Dozens of local festivities take place this weekend across the entire country.
10 best carnival celebrations in Greece
1. Patras: The Grand Classic
If you haven’t experienced the Patras Carnival, it belongs on your bucket list. As Greece’s largest celebration, it attracts thousands of visitors.
Highlight: The Grand Parade takes place on Sunday, February 22, 2026. However, many locals prefer the Saturday Night Parade (Feb 21) for its vibrant, illuminated atmosphere.
2. Xanthi: Balkan Charm & Thracian Color
The Thracian Folklore Festivals offer a different vibe from the southern celebrations.
Highlight: A multi-day program culminates in a massive parade on Sunday, February 22. Xanthi keeps its traditions alive by allowing them to evolve, blending history with modern energy.
3. Rethymno: Cretan Heritage
With over 100 years of history, Rethymno’s Carnival reflects the city’s multicultural past.
Schedule: Unlike other cities, the festivities peak slightly earlier. The Children’s Parade and Night Parade are on Friday, Feb 20, while the Grand Float Parade takes place on Saturday, Feb 21, ending with a spectacular fireworks display.
4. Thessaloniki: The New Tradition
Now in its third year of organizing a major city parade, Thessaloniki is carving out its own Carnival identity.
Highlight: On Sunday, February 15, 30 groups will march from Ethnikis Amynis to Aristotelous Square. The night concludes with a massive concert-party featuring Toni Sfinos.
5. Chalkida: Carnival on the Waves
Just an hour from Athens, Chalkida offers a unique “Sea Carnival.”
Highlight: On Sunday, February 22, the closing ceremony features marine floats, a show with 400 drones, and the traditional burning of the Carnival King—right in the middle of the Evripos straits.
6. Galaxidi: The “Flour War”
For those who don’t mind getting messy, the Alevromoutzouroma is a must.
Highlight: On Clean Monday (February 23), this Byzantine tradition sees the town transformed into a colorful battlefield of flour and soot. Wear old clothes and goggles!
7. Athens: Family Fun & City Parties
The capital focuses heavily on family-friendly events.
Highlight: A large children’s carnival takes place at the Zappeion on Sunday, Feb 15. The main city parade moves from Syntagma to Kotzia Square on Sunday, Feb 22, followed by a street party.
8. Sohos, Lagadas: The Ancient & Dionysian
The Koudounoforoi (Bell-bearers) of Sohos represent one of Greece’s most authentic customs.
Highlight: On Clean Monday (Feb 23), the “Meriou” Bell-bearers perform a Dionysian ritual that is more of a deep-rooted cultural experience than a tourist show.
9. Naoussa: “Genitsari and Boules”
Naoussa preserves a strictly traditional and moving custom involving ornate masks and specific ritual dances.
Highlight: On Sunday, February 15, “bouloukia” (groups) follow a historic route through the city. The most touching moment is the “unmasking” at the end of the day under the town’s ancient plane trees.
10. Skyros: The Old Man and the Corela
The island of Skyros comes alive with the sound of bells every weekend leading up to the finale.
Highlight: On the last Sunday (Feb 22), locals dressed in goat skins and heavy bells roam the alleys. The celebration includes the “Trata” (fishing boat) tradition, where locals recite satirical verses about current events in the town square.