Carnival in Athens is a vibrant and joyous celebration that sweeps through the ancient streets, infusing the city with color, music, and revelry. From lively parades for kids to masked balls, this festive season brings together local families and visitors alike. Let’s explore some of the most fun carnival activities for kids in Athens and other parts of the city!
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Carnival Activities for Kids in Athens in 2025
From February 15 to March 3, the municipality is offering a diverse program of free events for all ages, inviting visitors to experience authentic Greek carnival traditions.
Children and their families can enjoy cultural activities and festive gatherings that blend art with Greek traditions at iconic Athenian venues. These include: the National Gallery; the Arts Center of the City of Athens; the Museum of Folk Art and Tradition “Aggeliki Hatzimichalis”; the Libraries and Creative Learning Centers of the Municipality of Athens; the Hellenic Children’s Museum; the Saint Paul and Saint Catherine Squares; and the Dourgoutis and Bei Parks.
The biggest carnival celebration will take place at Zappeion on Sunday, February 23, featuring music, dancing, circus performers, bubble shows, games, face painting, and balloon making. The festivities will be accompanied by the vibrant sounds of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens.
Authentic Athenian Carnival
The grand finale of the carnival activities for kids in Athens will take place on Sunday, March 2, with a spectacular parade and show in the city center. The event will feature live music by Athens’ Philharmonic Orchestra, while radio stations 95.2 Athens DeeJay and 92.3 Lampsi will broadcast live from Syntagma and Kotzia Squares.
Meanwhile, the Decibel Band will take the stage with a concert showcasing top hits from the Greek pop and rock scene of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and today.
On Clean Monday, March 3, colorful kites will soar over the Attic sky from Philopappos Hill, marking the start of Lent with a vibrant folk celebration across the city.
Press here to check the Carnival’s full program (in Greek).
The Festivities For Tsiknopempti (20 February 2025)
Tsiknopempti (Greek: Τσικνοπέμπτη and the favorite holiday of my daughter :)) is part of the traditional Apókries (Απόκριες), the Greek Carnival season. It occurs on the second-to-last Thursday before Lent, and its name translates to “Charred Thursday” or “Smoky Thursday.” What makes this day special? Well, it revolves around the consumption of copious amounts of grilled and roasted meats before the fasting period of Lent begins. If your kids are like mine, they will surely enjoy this holiday.
Read also: The Tradition of Lady Lent
Here are some activities going on in Tsiknopempti:
- Meat Extravaganza: Picture large outdoor parties where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling meats. Families gather to feast on juicy souvlaki, succulent lamb chops, and other mouthwatering Greek delicacies.
- Smiles and Sizzles: Tsiknopempti-like celebrations often continue on a smaller scale the following Sunday. This marks the final day when meat can be enjoyed before the strict fasting of Great Lent leading up to Easter.
- Greek Orthodox Tradition: Since fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays is essential, Thursday becomes the perfect day for Tsiknopempti.
Remember, whether you’re savoring grilled meats or celebrating a veggie-filled lifestyle, Greek traditions and family joy are at the heart of it all! There is plenty of vegetarian and vegan food in the Greek cuisine too.
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