Carnival Parades in Athens

It’s time for colourful costumes, confetti explosions and dancing in the streets. Apokries (our version of carnival) is just around the corner which means that the city is getting ready for a three-week celebration that allows for nothing except good vibes. The City of Athens has planned a jam-packed festive agenda for all types, with all sorts of events spread around every neighbourhood. Follow the sound of the bands playing at the city’s squares, take part in a street parade or a folklore custom revival, and sign up for face-painting shenanigans or any of the numerous games planned for your young ones. Parties, street performances and lots more seal the carnival deal, all with free entrance. Check our list of events here.

This year, the two weekends leading up to Clean Monday are dedicated to carnival traditions from all over Greece. Colourful festive parades fill the city’s streets, so don your most dazzling costume and join in the fun at several locations across Athens.  

On Saturday 18th, you can witness Macedonian carnival celebrations and rituals, or you can join the gaitanaki, the traditional Greek folk dance that originates from the northern parts of Greece, which will be taking place at various central squares. 

Sunday 19th offers even more opportunities to celebrate. Highlights of the day are the traditional satiric dances from Thrace that will be taking over Kypseli and a parade with live music, starting from the Acropolis metro station and travelling all the way down to Monastiraki square. 

Saturday 25th holds surprises both in the city centre, and around Philopappou Hill and Petralona. Live music and a choir will entertain the crowds around Mitropolis, while Philopappou Hill is the starting point for a musical parade with Brazilian sounds, transporting us to the carnival of Rio.  

Votanikos welcomes the final parade on Sunday 26th at 1 pm with festive sounds from across Greece. Stock up on confetti and join in the crowd! 

Saturday 18/02
Varnava Square, 12 pm
Pantazopoulou Square, 6 pm

Sunday 19/02
Platonos Square, 11 am
Dexamenis Square-Syntagma Square-Monastiraki Square, 12 pm
Imittou Str. - Mesologgiou Square, 12 pm
Kypseli Square, 12 pm
Akropolis Metro Station, 7 pm

Saturday 25/02
Adrianou Str., 12 pm
Philopappou ring road - Merkouri Square, 12 pm