"Apokries" meaning Carnival is essentially a pagan celebration at the beginning of spring, with emphasis on fertility. In the Roman and Byzantine period, the carnival was marked as a tribute to the magical qualities of nature - now as in all carnivals, fancy dress is worn with everyone parading their costumes along the carnival route and through the town.

Flying maskWelcome, it's Apokries!

The date changes annually, depending upon when Orthodox Paska (Easter) falls. Lent begins 40 days before Paska and is still observed as a period of fasting from animal produce and oil by many Greeks. Carnival is always held on the Sunday before Shrove Monday - a last fling as it were before Lent starts. 

Carnival is always a hilarious day, and great fun to join in even if you are a visitor to the island, you'll certainly get a good walk and see lots of the great views along the way.A Gruesome pair!

The procession starts in the square in front of the Possidonion hotel and works its way around the harbour, past all the spectators cheering their spectacular costumes, along the sea road to the town beach. From thereon in ensues a noisy street party, with live musical events, as well as speakers blaring Latin-style carnival music. There is free-flowing wine, and plenty of mezedes, usually provided by the council. The youngsters will roam the crowd, looking for anyone not yet covered in foam or paper streamers, and remedy their "predicament" immediately!

Chickens galoreThe dancing and general imbibing continues late into the evening, well past the point when all the little revellers are begging to go home, but their parents are having too much of a good time!

There is always ample goodwill, many friendly faces and lots of good fun. Should you be fortunate enough to be in Spetses for Carnival, it is definitely an occasion that you will not forget in a hurry!

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