The Carnival of Xanthi, one of the city’s most significant and long-standing cultural institutions, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, blending the tradition, history, and creativity of its people. This year’s carnival is a commemorative retrospective on the evolution and success of this unique cultural event that unites the city and northern Greece in a true celebration.

Since 1965, Xanthi, the city of a thousand colors, has been celebrating during the carnival season. It revels, reminisces, revives customs and traditions, but most importantly, reminds everyone that the Thracian Folklore Celebrations are much more than the renowned carnival of northern Greece. They represent an important cultural institution, a recognized artistic event, and a participatory festival eagerly awaited all year by both the locals and the residents of neighboring areas in Thrace and eastern Macedonia.

“From its early years, the carnival was built on participation and collective creativity,” says Xanthi’s Deputy Mayor of Culture, Michalis Tsepelis, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA). “The residents actively took part in various activities. Gradually, Xanthi gained a reputation for its carnival, which incorporated traditional elements and modern features, creating a genuine cultural institution.”

This year’s Thracian Folklore Celebrations (February 6–March 3) organized by the Municipality of Xanthi promise a rich program befitting the carnival’s six-decade-long presence in the city’s social and cultural life, with an extended duration compared to previous years.

“A major exhibition will be held at the municipal art gallery to celebrate the sixty years of the institution. Through it, we aim to honor people and initiatives while giving younger generations the chance to learn and older ones the opportunity to recall memories of this grand celebration, which has become intrinsically linked with the overall development of Xanthi. Additionally, for the first time this year, we will host an impressive two-day drone show featuring designs and motifs inspired by the festival’s themes, enhancing the city’s image and attracting visitors,” explains Mr. Tsepelis.

“60 Years Delulu” and Figures Full of Imagination

This year’s Thracian Folklore Celebrations will feature events divided into three themes: tradition-folklore, child-family, and carnival. Although the full program has yet to be unveiled, the Municipality of Xanthi has already released the official poster for this year’s carnival and announced its central theme for the 60th celebration, chosen through the first open vote by the public. The winning theme, “60 Years Delulu,” captured the hearts of participants, with 50.5% selecting it, making it the focal point of this year’s festivities.

“The concept of ‘Delulu,’ inspired by contemporary pop culture,” notes Mr. Tsepelis in his interview with AMNA, “expresses the power of will and the belief that anything is possible when we deeply believe in ourselves. While embraced by younger generations as a symbol of renewal and optimism, its message of faith and determination unites us all. Through this year’s theme, the Carnival of Xanthi invites us to leave behind the mundane, celebrate, laugh, and express ourselves freely, without restrictions.”

The visual identity of this year’s Thracian Folklore Celebrations – Xanthi Carnival 2025 transcends the boundaries of a single poster. It develops a visual language that “dresses” all communication materials for the festivities, both printed and digital, paying homage to the rich tradition of the event and conveying the playful spirit that accompanies every carnival celebration.

The protagonists of the poster are figures that balance between the past and imagination, capturing the carnival’s energy, tradition, and the “delulu” spirit – that bold, dreamy element characterizing the entire celebration.

The Carnival of Xanthi has always uniquely combined tradition with modern creativity. The events go beyond carnival parades with thousands of participants, hosting contemporary artistic happenings, visual creations, exceptional music, and dance performances, making the carnival a festival of fantasy and freedom for everyone.

Looking Toward the Future

Michalis Tsepelis, a young man who has been deeply involved with the carnival over the years as a member of one of the largest parade crews-clubs participating in the grand parade on the last Sunday of Carnival, emphasizes that things have slightly changed in terms of participation since the pandemic. “Nevertheless,” he stresses, “the Carnival of Xanthi has evolved into one of the most attractive tourist destinations in northern Greece. The city welcomes thousands of visitors who either actively participate or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of the festivities. The carnival’s impact is significant, boosting the local economy and promoting Xanthi as an important cultural hub.”

As it marks its 60th anniversary, the Carnival of Xanthi is preparing for the future, with new prospects and innovations. These sixty years of the Thracian Folklore Celebrations represent a wonderful tribute to the city’s cultural heritage and collective creativity.

Continuing this tradition is not just a legacy but also an ongoing challenge for the future, ensuring the carnival remains vibrant, interesting, and entertaining for everyone. With the active participation of its citizens and the support of local organizations, the Carnival of Xanthi is well-positioned to remain one of Greece’s largest and most important carnival celebrations.