What is the Patras Carnival?
Patras, a port city in the northern Peloponnese, is Greece's third-largest city, and every winter it hosts the country's biggest carnival. The Patras Carnival, or Patrino Karnavali, runs for weeks, from its opening in mid-January to its grand finale before Clean Monday, the first day of Orthodox Lent. It is a festival of parades, masks, giant satirical floats, street parties and masked balls, and much of the city takes part.
The carnival's roots go back to the nineteenth century, with the first masquerade ball often dated to 1829, when the city was a busy trading port with strong links to Italy and the rest of Europe. Over time, it grew into a celebration of the whole city, in which ordinary people, organized in groups of friends, neighbours and colleagues, create the costumes, choreography and fun.
The carnival opens on January 17, the feast of Saint Anthony, when the mayor declares it open from the balcony of the Apollon Theatre. In the following weeks, the Treasure Hunt sends competing groups of up to 300 people around the city solving clues and taking on artistic challenges, and the Bourboulia, traditional evening dances, revive an old custom in which women, masked in black, choose their dance partners. There is also a children's carnival, with its own parade and events.
The grand finale comes on the last weekend before Clean Monday. On Saturday night, groups parade on foot through the streets, and on Sunday, the Grand Parade brings tens of thousands of participants in costume, with giant floats mocking politicians and celebrities, through the city centre. The carnival ends that night with the burning of the Carnival King's float at the port, followed by fireworks.
What to expect
The carnival runs from January 17 to the Sunday before Clean Monday, with its biggest events on the final weekend.
Weeks before
Treasure Hunt and balls
Groups compete in the Treasure Hunt, and masked balls, the Bourboulia and children's events fill the weeks before the finale.
Saturday
The night parade
Groups in costume parade on foot through the streets at night, with music and dancing.
Sunday
Grand Parade and the King
The Grand Parade fills the city with floats and tens of thousands of revellers from midday, and the King's float burns at the port that night.
Floats ready for the Grand Parade
Photo by linmtheu / flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0
Planning your trip
Getting there
Patras is about three and a half hours from Athens by KTEL bus, which runs roughly every hour from the Kifisos terminal. You can also take the suburban railway to Kiato and continue by bus. Ferries link Patras with Italian ports, including Bari, Brindisi and Ancona.
Where to stay
Hotels in Patras fill up for the final weekend, so book early. Many visitors come from Athens for the day, but staying in the city lets you enjoy the Saturday night parade and the burning of the King without worrying about the trip back.
What it costs
Most carnival events, including the parades, are free to watch. Greece is moderately priced, and food and drink in Patras are cheaper than in Athens.
Go like you know
- Wear a costume; at the Grand Parade, almost everyone dresses up.
- Look out for the satirical floats; they mock Greek and world politics with sharp humour.
- Bring a warm jacket for the night parade and the burning of the King.
- Join the children's carnival if you travel with kids; it has its own parade and events.
- Try souvlaki and loukoumades, honey doughnuts, from the street stalls.
- Stay for Clean Monday, when families fly kites and eat lagana bread and seafood to start Lent.
- Visit the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridges, just outside the city.
- For another great winter carnival, see the Venice Carnival or the floats of the Nice Carnival.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Patras Carnival in 2027?
The carnival opens on January 17 and ends on the Sunday before Clean Monday, which follows Orthodox Easter. In 2027, Orthodox Easter is on May 2, so the Grand Parade and the burning of the King are expected on Sunday, March 14, with Clean Monday on March 15.
Can visitors join the parade?
Yes. Visitors can join a carnival group for the Grand Parade, usually by registering in advance and buying the group's costume, or simply watch in costume from the streets. Many groups welcome friends and visitors, and joining is the best way to experience the carnival from the inside.
What is the burning of the King?
The burning of the Carnival King's float marks the end of the carnival. On the night of the Grand Parade, the giant float of the King is set alight at the port, followed by fireworks. It closes the festivities before Clean Monday and the start of Orthodox Lent.
