Athens Carnival 2025: A Citywide Celebration of Music, Dance, & Tradition

Athens is gearing up for another spectacular carnival season in 2025, bringing together age-old traditions, vibrant parades, and electrifying musical performances. From the grand procession in Syntagma Square to neighborhood festivities filled with laughter and dance, the Greek capital will be brimming with the spirit of Apokries. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this year's carnival promises unforgettable moments for all. Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store!

Thursday, February 20 – Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday)

Kickstarting the festivities, Tsiknopempti is a day dedicated to feasting, music, and merriment:

• 11 AM: The streets of Athens come alive with a Traditional Apokries Parade featuring a reenactment of the Kordelatoi from Naxos. Expect a colorful display from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki.

• 11:30 AM: Enjoy a Philharmonic Orchestra Musical Walk at Varvakios Market, setting the perfect carnival mood.

• 12 PM: A concert by the Athens Municipality Greek Music Workshop will keep spirits high with Greek folk and laïko tunes at Varvakios Market.

• 7 PM & 8:30 PM: As the night falls, Kotzia Square hosts back-to-back live concerts with KogiaMan and Gidiki, blending traditional Greek, Balkan, and Mediterranean melodies.

Saturday, February 22 – Community and Street Festivities

• 11 AM: Experience the magic of a Parade of Carnival Groups winding from Kotzia Square to Monastiraki, where folk reenactments will showcase Greece’s rich cultural heritage.

• 11:30 AM: The little ones can enjoy a Children’s Carnival Party in Dourgouti Park, featuring games, face painting, and balloon artistry.

• 12 PM: Athens’ neighborhoods come alive with multiple Carnival Walks, including a drumming parade by Quilombo in Kypseli and a folk dance party in Mesolongiou Square.

• 1 PM: Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Athens Municipality Big Band Jazz Concert on Dionysiou Areopagitou Pedestrian Street, adding a swing-infused touch to the celebrations.

Sunday, February 23 – Family-Friendly Fun and Cultural Revelry

• 10 AM: Engage in the 14th Treasure Hunt in Mets, a fun and educational adventure through Athens' historical sites.

• 11:30 AM – 2 PM: Zappeion transforms into a carnival wonderland with children’s entertainment, stilt walkers, and circus acts.

• 12 PM: Plaka and Thissio turn into open-air theaters with traditional Apokries performances and the famous gaitanaki ribbon dance.

• 6 PM: A Zakynthian Carnival Walk from the Acropolis Metro to Monastiraki celebrates the Ionian tradition with serenades and folk dances.

Tuesday, February 25 – Satirical Songs and Neighborhood Carnivals

• 10 AM – 1 PM: Kypseli Municipal Market hosts a Children’s Carnival Celebration featuring music and interactive activities.

• 7 PM: The OTE Cultural Centre presents an evening of satirical carnival songs and dances, highlighting Apokries’ playful and humorous side.

Thursday, February 27 – Community Carnival Parades

• 10:30 AM: The neighborhoods of Attiki and Agios Panteleimonas come together for a Carnival Parade, where school groups and cultural collectives showcase their Apokries spirit.

Saturday, March 1 – A Day for the Kids

• 11 AM: Across Athens, parks and squares host Children’s Carnival Celebrations, complete with mascots, games, face painting, and traditional dances.

• 12 PM – 2 PM: Klafthmonos Square stages a lively outdoor performance of “Two Grooms – One Bride”, a theatrical nod to 17th-century Zakynthian carnival traditions.

Sunday, March 2 – The Grand Carnival Parade

• 5 PM: The carnival season reaches its peak with the Grand Carnival Parade from Syntagma to Kotzia Square. Expect stilt walkers, dance performances, a stunning Chinese dragon, and a vibrant street party.

• 7 PM: The night concludes with a Live Concert by Decibel Band in Kotzia Square, delivering an energetic fusion of music and carnival vibes.

Monday, March 3 – Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera)

• 11 AM: Athens embraces the Lenten season with Koulouma at Philopappou Hill, featuring traditional kite flying and folk music.

• 11:30 AM: A Philharmonic Orchestra Musical Walk ensures the carnival ends on a melodious note.

• 11:30 AM: Dance and celebrate one last time with a Traditional Folk Gathering, complete with delicious Lenten treats.

Join the Celebration!

Whether you’re after dazzling parades, cultural traditions, or musical extravaganzas, Athens Carnival 2025 has something for everyone. Mark your calendar, put on your best costume, and immerse yourself in the city's most vibrant festival of the year!