As travelers are pouring into Patras for its annual carnival festival, the municipality of western Greece has begun a dedicated campaign for the safety of the festival attendees. Last year, a documented 600 carnival attendees wound up in local hospitals due to overconsumption of alcohol, use of substances, respiratory issues and minor injuries.
The campaign titled “Live It As You Deserve”, the municipality of Achaea is hoping to inform partygoers and make the carnival festivities a safer event.
The Municipality of Western Greece says “Live It As You Deserve”
The flyer reads:
Dear visitor,
welcome to the Patras Carnival
I have fun safely!
I live the carnival spirit without hijinx…
Therefore:
- I eat food and pick up drinks from legal vendors around me.
- I check the seal on my alcoholic drinks
- I don’t drink while driving, or drive while drinking. I endanger myself and others that way.
- I drink to have fun, not to get drunk. I don’t mix my drinks. I control my drinking. I don’t drink from someone else’s cup.
- I take note of the first aid providers around me.
- I actively practice good safety and hygiene, and I don’t expose myself or others to any harm.
A message from the deputy governor of Achaea
Deputy Governor Fokion Zaimis stated that the goal of this campaign is to embody the spirit of carnival and eliminate issues of public safety. “It is the third year that we are taking this action in collaboration with local law enforcement and hospitals,” he adds and hopes the flyers with their positive messaging will inspire a sense of respect towards the carnival community and proper self-care.
Around 50.000 flyers are set to be distributed in total, with the distribution areas being focused around central areas and public transport.
