Athens, Greece – The vibrant spirit of Carnival (Apokries) is set to return to Athens with a comprehensive program of 65 free events, transforming the city into a hub of festivity from February 12 to 23, 2026. The Municipality of Athens recently unveiled the details of the extensive celebrations, which will take place across 50 diverse locations.
City-Wide Celebrations Embrace Tradition and Community
The program is designed to immerse residents and visitors in the rich traditions of Carnival, offering a blend of traditional customs, live music, family-oriented activities, and large-scale public celebrations. From bustling neighborhood squares to cultural venues, markets, and public spaces, the festivities will cater to all ages and interests. The Carnival season will culminate with the observance of Clean Monday (the first day of Orthodox Lent), featuring open-air festivities and traditional kite flying on Filopappos Hill.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas extended an open invitation to both residents and tourists, encouraging them to participate in the joyous occasion. He urged the public to “fill the city’s squares with music and a festive spirit,” emphasizing the communal aspect of the celebrations.
Highlights of the Carnival Program
The 2026 Carnival program boasts a series of flagship events designed to capture the essence of Apokries:
- Tsiknopempti Festivities (February 12): The celebrations will commence with a traditional carnival procession led by the Cultural Society of Orchestral Art “Bacchai.” Starting at Syntagma Square at 11:00 AM, the procession will conclude at Kotzia Square with a reenactment of the Kordelata custom from Naxos.
- Varvakeios Market Hub: The Varvakeios Market will serve as a central point for Tsiknopempti celebrations. The municipality’s Philharmonic Orchestra will set the rhythm at 11:00 AM, followed by traditional dances and a folk concert by the Greek Music Workshop.
- Children’s Activities: A significant portion of the Carnival program is dedicated to children, with cultural venues and neighborhoods hosting activities that combine tradition, creativity, and fun. Events are scheduled at the Creative Learning Centers, the Art Gallery, the Arts Center, the Children’s Museum of Athens, and municipal libraries. Additional children’s festivities, including music, dancing, face painting, balloon creations, and games, will also be held in various squares and parks across the city.
- “The Carnival of the World” (February 15): Families are invited to gather at Zappeion at 11:00 AM for this colorful celebration, featuring dancing, stilt performers, a Chinese dragon, and numerous surprises.
- Musical Performances: Music will resonate throughout Athens during the Carnival season. The Philharmonic Orchestra, Big Band, and Greek Music Workshop will perform across the city. Percussion ensembles and traditional groups will accompany customary routes, alongside concerts of carnival songs and Zakynthian cantatas.
- Traditional Greek Customs: Greek Carnival customs from various regions will be brought to life by cultural clubs and associations, including the Kordelati of Naxos and the Wedding of Flambouras of the Sarakatsanai. The Museum of Folk Art and Tradition “Aggeliki Hatzimichali” will also host the painting exhibition “Let’s go as before…” until April 19.
- Grand Carnival Sunday Parade (February 22): The festivities will culminate with a grand parade beginning at 5:00 PM from Syntagma Square, concluding at Kotzia Square. A major carnival party with live music will follow at 7:00 PM.
- Clean Monday (February 23): The Carnival season will officially conclude with the traditional Koulouma gathering on Filopappos Hill, featuring kite flying, live music, and an island-style communal feast.
Further information about the detailed program can be found on the official municipal channels.
Source: https://news.gtp.gr/2026/02/05/carnival-returns-to-athens-with-65-free-events-across-the-city/
