Patra Carnival Parades Return After Three-Year Ban

The Patra Carnival Parades are making their comeback on the weekend February 25-26, after a three-year ban which was imposed to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Τhousands of local partygoers and visitors are enjoying the most famous Carnival in Greece, which will conclude on Sunday with the two major Carnival parades and the closing ceremony.

Δεν ξέρω τι γίνεται στο #j2us αλλά εδώ στο #Πατρινο_Καρναβαλι Χ Α Μ Ο Σ.#καρναβαλι #Πατρα pic.twitter.com/nPtQp24c4A

— • I-Xasou • (@XrhstosVas) February 25, 2023

Patra among the best Carnival celebrations in Europe

Carnival celebrations in Greece, known as “Apokries,” are some of the most beloved traditions in the country. They allow revelers to partake in all the food, dance, and celebration they can before the 40-day period of Lent begins in the lead up to Easter.

The Apokries festivities culminate on the weekend just before Clean Monday, “Kathara Deftera,” the first day of Lent.

The city of Patra, western Greece, boasts one of the biggest and best carnival celebrations in all of Europe.

After the three-year ban of the Carnival Parade, partygoers were anticipating the return of the event.

The Carnival festivities began on Friday evening with a big concert by Goran Bregovic and The Wedding and Funeral Band.

The first major parade was scheduled to start on Saturday at 6 p.m. and the second one on Sunday at 2 p.m..

#Πατρινο_Καρναβαλι#πατρα pic.twitter.com/11ybby2D6e

— Anasta (@nat_divari) February 25, 2023

A total of 139 themed Carnival chariots are expected to take part in the festivities.

A huge fireworks display on the Aghios Nikolaos Quay of Patras will conclude the Carnival on Sunday.

#πατρα #πατρινοκαρναβαλι pic.twitter.com/xbrQ0YCRYM

— JimDias (@DiasRecipes) February 25, 2023

Long weekend exodus peaks in Attica

At the same time, passenger traffic at the ports of Attica is expected to be high as the exodus of  holidaymakers for Clean Monday continues, AMNA reports.

The coast guard is on the alert and has taken all the necessary measures to help travelers and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic at busy ports.

According to official data, 18,144 passengers departed on Friday, February 24, from the four ports of Attica for the Cyclades or other Aegean islands, as well as for the nearby islands of the Argosaronic Gulf.