The carnival period in Greece is called “Apokries”. The celebrations this year start on February 1, but the main week of festivities begins on ‘Meatfare Sunday’*, in 2026 this falls on February 15, and ends with the first day of Lent, called ‘Clean Monday’ (Kathari Deftera), on February 23.

During carnival events, many people wear costumes and raucous parties take place in the streets, restaurants and bars. The most famous Carnival Parade in Greece takes place in the northwestern Peloponnese city of Patras.

However, in most towns and villages on mainland Greece and across the islands, local customs thrive. The carnival is believed to have originated from paganism, and more precisely, from the ancient festivities associated with the worship of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy.

*Meatfare Sunday is traditionally the last day to eat meat before Easter according to the Greek Orthodox Church, which emphasises the Gospel of Matthew on this day, also known as the Sunday of the Last Judgment.