Athens officially kicked off its Carnival season on Thursday morning as large crowds gathered in the city center to celebrate Tsiknopempti. Also known as Meat Thursday, it brings communities together through shared traditions, music and food ahead of the Lenten period.
Organized by the Municipality of Athens and its cultural organization OPANDA, the celebrations blended long-standing customs with a modern urban festival atmosphere.
The day began at 11 a.m. in Syntagma Square, where the Cultural Society of Orchestral Art “Vákchai” led a ceremonial procession along Ermou Street, one of the capital’s main commercial avenues. A representative of the “Vákchai” group explained the historical and social symbolism behind the tradition. They stated that in the past, the custom served as a form of communication among young people in local communities. The handkerchiefs worn on the dancers’ vests symbolized their participation in weddings and dances with newlyweds, acting as visible signs of social engagement.
Accompanied by traditional dances, the parade concluded in Kotzia Square with a revival of the “Kordelatoi” custom from the island of Naxos.
The “Kordelatoi” are traditional male Carnival revelers of Naxos, adorned with colorful ribbons (kordeles) and wearing the traditional Greek dress (foustanela). During Carnival, they travel between villages to dance and foster a sense of community and joy.
Following the procession, the center of activity shifted to the Varvakios Market, Athens’ historic central food market. There, the Greek Music Workshop of OPANDA provided live music as visitors gathered for the customary Meat Thursday grilling.
With favorable weather boosting turnout, residents and visitors filled the market area, underscoring the strong return of outdoor public celebrations in neighborhoods across the Greek capital.
