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Athens ignites with a three-day Carnival cruise weekend of music and tradition

From jazz-filled streets to Studio 54 throwbacks, Athens transforms into a carnival wonderland. Don't miss the lagana feasts and family fun—all free for locals and visitors.

The image shows a poster advertising the Aphrodite festival in Athens, Greece. It features a group...
The image shows a poster advertising the Aphrodite festival in Athens, Greece. It features a group of people standing in front of a building, with a vase of flowers in the foreground. The poster also has text written on it, likely describing the festival.

Athens ignites with a three-day Carnival cruise weekend of music and tradition

Athens is gearing up for a lively three-day Carnival cruise weekend packed with events for all ages. From family workshops to late-night disco parties, the city offers something for everyone. The celebrations mark Apokries, Greece's vibrant pre-Lenten festival, with music, food, and street performances taking centre stage.

The festivities kick off on Saturday with carnival parades and live music across the city centre. The Athens Big Band will perform at 1 p.m. on Fokionos Negri Street, drawing crowds for an afternoon of jazz and swing. Later that evening, Burger Disco Club hosts its carnival-themed XTRACAVANZA party, blending disco beats with festive energy.

For free people, the Athens Children's Museum opens its doors for free interactive workshops. Children aged three and older can take part in hands-on activities throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Peristeri prepares for 'Unique Apokries 2026' on Sunday, featuring concerts, theatre performances, and carnival games.

The weekend's highlight arrives on Clean Monday, a public holiday marking the end of Carnival. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) invites visitors to a free music and dance celebration, complete with traditional treats. Across the city, the largest lagana—a flatbread eaten only on this day—will be shared among attendees. That same evening, Gazarte concert hall keeps the party going with a Studio 54-inspired event, charging between €8 and €10 for entry.

This year's celebrations build on last year's success, when 65 free events took place across 50 neighbourhoods. From February 12 to 23, 2024, Athens welcomed thousands to parades, workshops, and performances, setting the stage for another bustling festival.

The Carnival cruise weekend wraps up with a mix of tradition and modern entertainment. Residents and tourists alike can enjoy free activities, live performances, and themed parties. With events spread across the city, Athens once again proves a hub of culture and celebration during Apokries.

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