place at the end of the winter. A popular 

custom are the Fanoi (great bonfires), which 

are lit in the squares of Kozani. Around them, 

people sing and dance usually satirical songs 

and local dances, such as the best known song in

the area - the Enteka of Kozani, often called

Kozani's "national anthem". All celebrations 

become more exciting on the Sunday of the last 

week, after the carnival parade, when bonfires are 

lit all over the town which burn until the early 

morning hours.

wears masks, costumes that are funny, sad, emotional 

or even brilliant!

Have fun everybody!

Some things about the carnival

The carnival has mostly costumes, masks and certain 

tools for certain costumes. Almost everybody celebrates 

but some people celebrate another time, in a different

way, especially in the USA or Great Britain: there, instead

of the Carnival, there is Halloween.

The carnival in Patra (Patrino Karnavali) is the largest event 

of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. It has 

more than 160 years of history. The events begin on 17^th

January and last up to Clean Monday. The carnival of Patra 

is not a single event but a variety of events that includes balls, 

parades, the hidden treasure hunt and the children’s carnival 

among others. It climaxes in the last weekend of the carnival 

with the Saturday evening parade of the carnival.

Groups, the extravagant Sunday parade of floats and groups 

and, finally, the ritual burning of the carnival king at the Saint 

Nicolas pier street at the harbor of Patra. Its characteristics are

spontaneity, improvisation, inspiration and volunteerism.

The carnival of Patra is a celebration, starting 

from January and finishing on Shrove Monday.

It has much competition and the game of the 

hidden treasure. All these days there are many 

events, culminating in the last three days. All

groups get out in the streets with beautiful 

costumes and their large floats. A colourful sea of

dancing and fun – it is the third best carnival in the 

world!

I am very happy because this year I will participate 

in it, too!

The carnival in Xanthi (a town in

Northern Greece) is a traditional

folklore fiesta that attracts, every year,

thousands of visitors from Greece as

well as tourists from many different

countries.

Noisy colourful parades are held during

the carnival days. Clowns, jugglers,

dancers and bands walking on foot and

on floats participate in the parades.

The joy of the atmosphere is felt on

every corner of the town. Every evening,

music and folklore shows take place

here.