Athens, February 22 – The Greek capital is set to come alive this weekend with a vibrant three-day Carnival celebration, known as Apokries, offering a diverse program of events for all ages. From family-friendly activities and traditional parades to concerts and late-night parties, the city is embracing the festive spirit before the solemn season of Lent begins.
Interactive Workshops and Parades Across Athens
On Saturday, the Municipality of Athens will host numerous free daytime events. The Athens Children’s Museum will offer workshops for children aged 3 and older, allowing them to create accessories inspired by museum exhibits from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Carnival parades and musical performances are scheduled throughout the city center. At 11 a.m., the Quilombo percussion ensemble will bring Brazilian-influenced rhythms to Kypseli Square. Nathanail Park, Kato Patisia, will feature traditional dances and songs with participation from local schools. Bloco Swingueira will perform at Petralona Grove at noon, while the Cultural Center of OTE Workers will present humorous Apokries songs and dances at Drakopoulou Park. The Athens Municipal Art Gallery, requiring prior registration, will host a miniature horse-making workshop for children aged 4 to 7, culminating in a parade through the gallery. The Athens Big Band is scheduled to perform at 1 p.m. on Fokionos Negri Street.
Concerts and Family Fun in Peristeri
The Municipality of Peristeri, located in western Athens, will continue the festivities on Sunday with its “Unique Apokries 2026” program. The Peristeri Exhibition Center will host a concert by XANAZOO at 12 p.m., followed by VANILLA SWING at 7 p.m.
Families can enjoy a wide range of free activities, including interactive theater, shadow puppet shows, creative workshops, carnival games, dance activities, and digital experiences. A 1,500-square-meter play area will feature inflatables, trampolines, music, face painting, and crafts, open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Gaming Arena will offer virtual experiences, and HADO, an augmented reality sports game, will add a dynamic element to the celebrations. The weekend’s program also includes musical performances on Saturday and will conclude on Clean Monday with traditional foods, music, and the city’s largest lagana bread.
Clean Monday Celebrations at SNFCC
On Clean Monday, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in southern Athens will host a free celebration of music and dance. From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the “Heaven and Earth” festival will feature ancient Greek songs and melodies combined with modern interpretations of traditional music.
Visitors can also participate in creative activities from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including kite-making and silkscreen printing at Stavros Niarchos Park. The event will bring together musicians and singers from different generations under the artistic direction of Vasiliki Karakosta, with traditional dance performances by the University of Athens Cultural Student Group. The festival will be broadcast live on the 103.7 radio station.
Nightlife Adds Carnival Energy
For those seeking late-night entertainment, Athens offers themed parties throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Burger Disco Club in Syntagma, central Athens, will transform into a disco party for a carnival version of their XTRACAVANZA event, featuring DJ Taf and Sunshine Pedro. DJ Taf will kick off the night with disco tracks and electronic beats, keeping the dance floor alive until 3 a.m., followed by Sunshine Pedro’s after-hours takeover. Doors open at 8 p.m., with an entry fee of €5, or free for diners with reservations until 10 p.m.
On Sunday, the Gazarte concert hall in Gazi will host a Studio 54-themed party on its roof stage, with an entrance fee ranging from €8 to €10. Doors open at 9 p.m., with a DJ set by JJ Pallis kicking off the event, followed by a live set by The Swingin’ Cats at 10 p.m. An after-party will begin at 12:30 a.m., featuring swing, rock ‘n’ roll, and pop hits, encouraging partygoers to embrace the glam spirit of the iconic New York nightclub.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/leisure/destinations/1295995/athens-comes-alive-for-a-three-day-carnival-weekend/
