Apokries — Greek Carnival
February 1 · Level 9 · #279 of 2238
Apokries is Greece's carnival season before Orthodox Lent, filled with costumes, jokes and shared meals. It gives communities time to celebrate before the fasting period begins. The season follows the date of Easter, so it does not start on the same calendar date every year.
How it is celebrated: people attend masquerades, street parades and parties, with Patras particularly famous for its carnival. On Tsiknopempti, a Thursday during the season, grilled meat takes centre stage at gatherings.
The name Apokries refers to giving up meat. As carnival gives way to Clean Monday, Greek traditions shift to kite-flying and meals made with Lenten foods.