Each year, in the 3-week run up to Lent, Greeks celebrateApokries (carnival). The biggest festivities, including parades with floats and masquerade (fancy dress) are in Patras and Xanthi. Although apokries is connected to the Orthodox Church calendar, it also has links to the Ancient Greek god of wine and ritual intoxication, Dionysus. Celebrations culminate on the weekend beforeKathari Devtera (Ash Monday), which is a public holiday, after which a 40-day period of fasting runs until Easter.
Event Date:
February 1, 2012 - March 30, 2012
Cost:
Free.
