Athens is set to celebrate Greek Carnival with a large parade in the city center on Sunday, followed by traditional Clean Monday festivities the next day, city officials announced.
The City of Athens will co-organize the Sunday parade with the Athens Chamber of Professionals, marking the peak of this year’s Carnival events. The procession will begin at 5 p.m., when the Athens Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra gives the opening signal in Syntagma Square, the city’s central plaza.
From there, participants will march along Ermou Street and continue via Aiolou Street before concluding in Kotzia Square. Percussion groups Bloco Swingueira and Global Daoulia will set the rhythm, while stilt walkers and cheerleaders will add to the festive atmosphere.
Dance groups, including the Athens section of the International Dance Council CID UNESCO and the traditional dance association “Molyvos,” will lead the celebrations. The nonprofit organization IASIS will also take part, highlighting the inclusive character of the event. A local radio station will broadcast live from Syntagma Square starting at 4:00 p.m.
A live DJ set will kick off at 7 p.m. in Kotzia Square, building up to the parade’s arrival around 6:00 p.m. The evening will culminate in music, dancing, and a large bubble show.
Clean Monday celebrations
On Monday, the celebrations will move to Philopappos Hill for Clean Monday, a public holiday in Greece that marks the beginning of Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar. The Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra will welcome visitors at 11:00 a.m., followed by live traditional island-style music at 11:30 a.m. Free Lenten food will be offered to the public.
Mayor Haris Doukas said the city aims to celebrate with “openness, participation, joy and inclusion,” inviting residents and visitors alike to join the festivities.
Carnival in Greece traditionally features parades, costumes and street celebrations, while Clean Monday is associated with outdoor gatherings, special fasting dishes and kite flying — customs that Athens plans to honor with a full day of music and community events.
