Greek Carnival Tradition

Showers of confetti in all colors, masks disguising the actual persons behind them and enchant the wearers to fanciful fairytale figures, animals as well as any other kind of characters, happy people dancing in their costumes to atmospheric music – all these impressive expressions you will experience when taking part in a Greek carnival celebration also called Apokries.

This festive tradition has its origins in the ancient Dionysus cult.  Dionysus was the god of wine and rebirth and in honor to him old Greeks hold a feast. Usually Ancients walked dressed up with wooden masks decorated with animal hairs and natural colors and sackcloth through the regions in the beginning of spring when the earth started to burst into blossom. One singer was representing Dionysus himself, asking questions in a melodious song whereas the euphoric people around him answered with a chanting. It is said that this worship ended in dances around a fire and games for young men that were supposed to bring them fertility.
This ritual was carried through the millenniums and is in nowadays also a part of Christian events although the ancient faith does not exist anymore.

The Carnival procedure includes some specific days with various traditions. “Tsiknopempti” is the Thursday in the 2nd week of carnival. On that day everybody in Greece is cooking meat until the smoke – “Tsikna” - of the ovens fills the street. Moreover, first carnival parties take place and people begin to dress up. In the same week before and after that day, lot’s of Greeks eat meat every day – and that with a reason…

In the so called “Tyrini”- week that means in the “cheese-week” – which is the 3rd one of Apokries  -  they have to waive meat totally. People are just allowed to eat cheese and dairy products.

Finally, the festive days end up in “Kathari Deftera”, the “Cleaning Monday”, 40 days before Easter. People often visit the countryside for eating Lenten food and let kites fly that were made in the weeks before.

It doesn’t matter if in ancient times or now – all Greeks always have had a lot of fun. Young and old is celebrating together, performing traditional dances, watching parades and enjoying to be somebody else with no worries and problems for one day.
You should definitely join them at least once in your life for being part of that unique, amusing and rollicking party!