Apokries 2026 in Greece will reach its climax on Sunday, February 22. On this day, large-scale carnival processions, concerts and traditional folk festivals will be held throughout the country.
From Patras to Naousafrom Rethymno to Xanthicities and villages are preparing for the main winter celebrations. The holiday combines modern culture, folk customs and tourism activities.
Patras Carnival
Patras Carnival remains the largest in the country. The main parade will take place February 22, 2026night procession – February 21. The end of the holiday will be the burning of the Carnival King.
On February 15, the program includes a children’s parade, a municipal ball and the traditional game “Hidden Treasure.”
Carnival of Xanthi
IN Xanthi Thracian folklore festivals take place – one of the most important cultural institutions in Northern Greece. The culmination will take place on February 22.
The parade will be hosted by an actor Meletis Iliasqueen of the carnival – Irini Papadopoulou.
Thessaloniki
IN Thessaloniki On February 15, the third consecutive city carnival procession will take place. The parade will pass through the central streets and end with a celebration on Aristotle Square.
Will perform in the evening Tony Sphinos with a music program.
Marine Carnival of Chalkida
IN Chalkis A maritime carnival will take place in the Euripus Strait. A show featuring 400 drones and fireworks is planned for February 22.
The final chord will be the singer’s concert Anastasia.
Galaxidi
IN Galaxidi On February 23, the traditional “Sprinkling of Flour” will take place – a mass ritual dating back to the Byzantine era.
Athens
IN Athens The main focus is on children’s activities, educational programs and street celebrations.
February 15 at 11:00 in Zappione The Carnival of Peace will take place.
On February 22 at 17:00 the central parade will begin from Syntagma Square to Kotzia Square. The host will be Dimitris McAleese.
Clean Monday
February 23 on the hill Philopappou Traditional Kulum will be held with kite flying and folk music.
Rethymno
IN Rethymno The main parades will take place on February 21 and 22, featuring floats and musical groups.
Sohos
IN Sohose The rite of Kudunofors is being revived – participants in traditional skins with bells. The culmination is February 23.
Skiros Carnival
On the island Skyros The “Old Man and Corella” ritual remains central, accompanied by satirical performances and a bell procession.
Naousa
IN Naousse On February 15, the ceremony “Janissaries and Bules” takes place with a traditional route and a citywide dance.
The events end on Clean Monday.
Apokries-2026 unite dozens of regions, hundreds of groups and thousands of participants, confirming the status of the carnival as one of the key cultural events in Greece.
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