Carnival time on Thassos is a long-established tradition that is celebrated in all the villages of the island, but especially in Potamia, Panagia and Limenaria.

The first day of Lent, which is called Clean Monday in Greece (this year on February 23), marks the culmination of the three weeks of the carnival season, known as Apokries, when there is plenty of feasting, dancing and revelry.

The first of the island’s carnivals is in Potamia and is held on the Sunday before Lent (February 22), the last Sunday of the carnival season. On the following day, Panagia and Limenaria hold their carnivals.

The carnivals follow the same format each year, starting with a parade that starts at around one o’clock in the afternoon and is made up of local dancers and floats satirically depicting the social and political life of Greece, or focused on some international event that has caught the public imagination, or displeasure.

Many locals and their children mark the day by donning fancy dress for the occasion. Sausages and other traditional food is grilled on street side barbecues and is freely offered to all, accompanied with bread and the traditional red wines of Thassos, as well as other alcoholic drinks, inevitably contributing to the boisterous and unrestrained nature of the events.

It is not Rio, but the simplistic and outrageous approach to the concept of carnival is both amusing and entertaining.

The street parties continue well into the small hours.