Discover Greece as never before by deep diving into its most exhilarating national festivity, the Carnival. This year, mark your calendar for February 15 as the key date of “Apokries,” unfolds, beckoning adventurous souls to experience a side of Greece widely unseen by the casual visitor. Carnival invites those looking to explore the authentic essence of Greek culture and age-old customs, beyond the classic summertime tourist paths.

The Greek Carnival, or Apokries, is a festive period deeply rooted in both religious tradition and social celebration, culminating on the Sunday before Clean Monday, marking the start of Lent. The term “Apokries” derives from the Greek words meaning “away from meat,” signaling the transition to fasting. Similarly, the term “carnival” traces its origins to the Latin carnis (meat) and vale (farewell). This period bridges ancient pagan customs with Christian practices, creating a unique cultural blend.

Tsiknopempti, or “Smoky Thursday,” occurs eleven days before Clean Monday during the second week of the Carnival period, known as “Meat Week.” On this day, Greeks gather to enjoy grilled meat feasts, filling the air with smoke (“tsikna”) from barbecues. This tradition, tied to Orthodox custom, offers a final indulgence before the restrictions of fasting intensify. The week that follows, “Cheese Week,” focuses on dairy-based dishes, leading up to Kathara Deftera, when the 40-day Lenten fast officially begins. Through its layered customs, the Carnival seamlessly weaves together celebration, reflection, and preparation for the season of renewal.

While they may not mirror the extravagant size and bombastic popularity of Rio’s world-famous Carnival, the Greek versions we present here each offers their own brand of rich ambience, unique traditions and thrilling revelry, with reenactments of pagan traditions, spirited dances and satirical jests that capture the essence of special communal gatherings, stories kept alive through the ages and free-flowing fun.

But first, find out what’s going on in the Greek capital during this colorful and vivacious period.

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