Carnival in Greece is called Apokries. It begins three weeks before Lent, which lasts 40 days before the great Orthodox Easter. In 2025, Apokries runs from Sunday February 9 to Sunday March 2. Carnival is a time to celebrate. And to respect many culinary traditions…. we explain everything.
Why is Carnival celebrated in Greece?
Apokries in Greek literally means “far from meat”, as it is a period of excess before the Lenten deprivation. During this period, meat and cheese gradually disappear from meals. Over the last two weekends, towns and villages stage a series of parades, where people dress up, dance and sing.
This custom, though fully integrated into Orthodox tradition, has its roots in ancient Greece. At that time, it was customary to celebrate the passage from winter to spring by paying homage to Dionysus, the god of vines and wine, but also of excess and festivity.
Some towns are famous for their carnivals. These include Patras in the Peloponnese, which organizes numerous festivities during this period: parades, dances, concerts, children’s carnival, treasure hunts… A Skyros tradition is also well established, with special outfits (animal skins and bells). Other towns are also famous for their carnivals, including Rethymnon in Crete, Xanthi in north-eastern Greece, Preveza, Kastoria, Volos and Tyrnavos in Thessaly, and Naoussa on the island of Paros. We invite you to discover some of the traditions of this carnival in Greece. Then off to Athens, where the city organizes numerous events every year.
Carnival calendar
Carnival in Greece is a time of religious and pagan festivities and culinary traditions. Here are the most important dates to remember this year to follow the different events.
First Sunday – February 9, 2025
This is the official start of Carnival, three weeks before the beginning of Lent. It is celebrated in churches.
Tsiknopempti: Grilled Meat Thursday – February 20, 2025
It really heralds the start of the festivities. This is a very special day, because it’s a time for feasting before Lent. On this day, meat is grilled to excess. You’ll see barbecues blooming in taverns and gardens, giving off the smell of grilled meat. This aroma is wafted through the streets, creating a very special atmosphere.
1st Carnival weekend – February 22 and 23, 2025
It’s usually during this first weekend of Carnival that the first festivities begin. It’s also the time to prepare for the big parade: mask-making, music, theatrical performances, entertainment in the streets and neighborhoods.
From a religious point of view, Saturday is the 1st Psychosavvato (Saturday of souls), when the dead are commemorated. Sunday is Apokreas, when meat consumption ceases.
2nd Carnival weekend – March 1 and 2, 2025
The party’s in full swing, and the streets come alive in every neighborhood. This is the weekend not to be missed for Carnival in Greece.
Tyrini Sunday marks the end of cheese consumption. It is preceded by the 2nd Saturday of Souls (Psychosavvato).
Pure Monday: beginning of Lent – March 3, 2025
“Kathara Deftera” or “Kathari Deftera”, Pure Monday marks the first day of Lent, which lasts for forty days before Easter. On this day, no meat, cheese or fish is eaten. Only shellfish, fruit and vegetables are allowed. It’s the perfect day for lunching in a waterside taverna and eating delicious mezzes (tarama, octopus, squid, fava…).
On this holiday, you’ll see plenty of kite sellers on the roadside. It’s traditional to fly them on this day. Head to the hills of Athens to enjoy and take part in this spectacle.
During the entire Lenten period, the most devout will follow a strict diet. The consumption of meat, fish and any other animal protein (milk, eggs, cheese, etc.) is forbidden. Only mollusks are allowed, as they have no blood.
Fish is allowed on two dates only: Annunciation Day and Palm Sunday. Lent lasts until Easter Sunday.
Orthodox Easter Sunday – April 21, 2025
Lent ends at Easter. Orthodox Easter is usually later than Catholic Easter, except in 2025! It’s a big family feast that’s celebrated all over the country, in town and country. For more information, take a look at our article on Easter traditions.
Carnival in Athens
During the month of February, Athens takes on festive colors. Don’t miss the many free events planned in the streets of the capital.
Sophie B.
