There is a different side to Athens waiting to be discovered as winter gives way to spring. For three weeks before Lent, the city embraces Apokries, Greece's carnival season, bringing together colourful costumes, neighbourhood celebrations, music and some of the country's most-loved food traditions.
In 2027, Athens Carnival takes place from 21 February to 14 March, followed by Clean Monday on 15 March, the first day of Orthodox Lent. For visitors, it is a chance to experience Athens beyond its ancient landmarks and discover a tradition that remains very much part of life in the city.
What Is Apokries?
Apokries is the Greek carnival season, celebrated in the weeks leading up to Orthodox Lent. The name reflects the gradual transition away from eating meat as the fasting period approaches.
The celebrations unfold over three weeks, building towards a final weekend of festivities before Clean Monday.
While Athens does not have one single carnival celebration, festivities take place across neighbourhoods, squares and cultural spaces throughout the city. It creates a lively atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to encounter local traditions while exploring the Greek capital.
Key Dates for Athens Carnival 2027
If you are planning a trip to Athens around carnival season, there are a few dates worth knowing.
21 February 2027: The Start of Apokries
The carnival period begins on Sunday 21 February, with celebrations building over the following weeks as Athens approaches the main carnival weekend in March.
4 March 2027: Tsiknopempti
One of the most characterful days of Apokries is Tsiknopempti, often translated as "Smoky Thursday". Across Athens, the smell of charcoal grills fills the streets as restaurants and traditional tavernas embrace a day centred around grilled meat, music and gathering together. For visitors, it is the perfect excuse to experience Athens through its food culture. Find a local taverna, settle in for a leisurely meal and enjoy one of the most sociable days of the carnival season.
13 - 14 March 2027: Carnival Weekend
The final weekend brings Apokries to its peak, with costumes, music and celebrations appearing across the city. The historic centre is a particularly atmospheric place to explore during the weekend, with areas such as Plaka and Keramikos traditionally associated with carnival festivities. Individual events and programmes can change each year, so it is worth checking the official city programme closer to your stay.
Clean Monday in Athens
The celebrations take a different turn on 15 March 2027, when Greece observes Clean Monday, known locally as Kathara Deftera.
Clean Monday marks the beginning of Orthodox Lent and is a public holiday in Greece. Instead of the grilled meats associated with Tsiknopempti, tables are traditionally filled with Lenten foods such as lagana, a flatbread made especially for the day, alongside olives, dips, seafood and other meat-free dishes.
One of the day's most recognisable traditions is kite flying. In Athens, Philopappou Hill is a popular place to experience the day, with people gathering outdoors for picnics and kite flying against the backdrop of the city. For visitors, it offers a completely different experience from the celebrations of carnival weekend and a glimpse into a tradition shared across Greece.
Where to Experience Carnival in Athens
Part of the charm of Apokries in Athens is that the celebrations are not limited to one attraction or venue. The historic centre is a natural place to start. Plaka comes alive during the final carnival weekend, while Keramikos and other areas around central Athens are also known for music, costumes and festivities.
Events and family activities take place in neighbourhoods and public spaces across the city, with the full programme typically announced closer to the celebrations. Leave some room in your itinerary simply to wander. You may find music, costumes and carnival celebrations along the way.
What to Eat During Apokries
Food plays an important role in the traditions surrounding Greek Carnival. During Tsiknopempti, grilled meat takes centre stage. Traditional tavernas across Athens fill with locals enjoying long lunches and dinners, making it an excellent day to discover the city's food culture.
As carnival draws to a close, the culinary traditions begin to change. By Clean Monday, meat gives way to a traditional Lenten table. Lagana bread, olives, dips, vegetables and seafood are among the foods commonly enjoyed on the day. The contrast is part of what makes this period such an interesting time to visit Athens. Within less than two weeks, visitors can experience two distinctly different Greek culinary traditions.
Tips for Visiting Athens During Carnival
Plan around the key dates. If experiencing the festivities is a priority, 4 March and 13-15 March are particularly good dates to consider for a visit in 2027.
Book restaurants in advance. Popular tavernas and restaurants can become busy around Tsiknopempti and the final carnival weekend.
Check the programme before heading out. Specific events, locations and timings for Athens Carnival are usually confirmed closer to the celebrations.
Leave time to explore. Apokries is not contained within a single attraction. Wandering through Athens and discovering the celebrations taking place across the city is part of the experience.
Discover a Different Side of Athens
From the smoky grills of Tsiknopempti to colourful carnival celebrations and kites filling the sky on Clean Monday, Apokries offers a glimpse of Athens that many visitors never experience.
It is a time when long-standing Greek traditions sit naturally alongside contemporary city life, making late winter and early spring an especially interesting time to explore the capital.
Make Athens Zafolia Hotel your base for discovering Athens during Carnival 2027, with the city's neighbourhoods, cultural attractions and celebrations ready to explore.