Carnival and Clean Monday at the SNFCC

From the playful energy of Carnival Sunday to the reflective joy of Clean Monday, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center turns the Great Lawn into a shared space of music, movement, and collective celebration. Over two days, the Park becomes a meeting point for families, friends, and visitors, blending colour, rhythm, tradition, and dance in an open, welcoming atmosphere by the sea.

On Carnival Sunday, the focus is on imagination and participation. Creative activities, games, costumes, and face painting set the tone before the celebration culminates in a live concert by Rosanna Mailán and her orchestra. Drawing on salsa, mambo, and cha-cha rhythms, the performance unfolds as a lively, interactive dance experience inspired by Latin American carnival traditions, inviting everyone to move, dance, and join in.

The following day, Clean Monday shifts the mood towards tradition, memory, and renewal. Led by Vasiliki Karakosta, musicians and singers from different regions and generations come together for a musical gathering rooted in Greek folk heritage. Ancient songs meet contemporary interpretations, reminding audiences that tradition remains a living, evolving part of everyday life. Traditional dances and customs complete the experience, transforming the day into a collective celebration of nature, freedom, and coexistence.