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This Carnival season, the City of Athens encourages
everyone to join a lively, cheerful celebration that will take place in both
the city centre and city neighbourhoods. A celebration for
people of all ages and tastes, it harmoniously blends traditions with
contemporary ideas and events that appeal to all citizens, children and city
visitors. The City of Athens
has given special priority to children, offering them as much as possible considering
that Carnival is a celebration for children, while it aims to ensure the
festive atmosphere is felt throughout city neighbourhoods.
The basic elements of this year's event programme, a collaboration of the City of Athens Cultural Organisation, Music Ensembles, Technopolis, Youth and Sport Organisation and School Welfare Department, comprise Smoke Thursday (Tsiknopempti), children's events in the centre and region, youth-oriented events in central Athens locations and an extensive programme in the city centre and seven City Districts.
Events kick off traditionally on Smoke Thursday (Tsiknopempti), February 4, at 11:30, in the Varvakios Market with plenty of music and culinary treats, while the party will continue in the evening in Plaka and at the City of Athens Technopolis, where a retro party for senior citizens will be staged. From Smoke Thursday through to Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), February 15, spirits will soar with a musical puzzle for all tastes, that includes Latin, jazz, pop, rock and plenty of Greek music to be performed morning and night in central city locations such as Syntagma Square, Thissio, Monastiraki, Psyrri, Kolonaki and Ermou St. The celebration will also take place in Athens neighbourhoods with concerts in City Districts. Additionally, two major youth-oriented parties will be held on Saturday, February 6, in Thissio, in collaboration with Athina Municipal Radio 9.84 FM, and, on Saturday, February 13, on Syntagma Square, in collaboration with radio station Athens Radio Dee Jay.
The City of Athens has utilized the Music Ensembles, which have presented excellent work over the years, in the best possible fashion. We will have the chance to enjoy the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Choir, Big Band, Greek Music Workshop and band De Stijl as they perform in various locations throughout the city, as well as indoor venues, during this year's Carnival celebration.
Children will have the time of their lives on two weekends during Carnival season. Firstly, Athens primary school students will be transformed into their beloved comic heroes and accompany floats with corresponding characters in a parade organized in collaboration with the City of Athens School Welfare Department, to be held Saturday, February 6, that will begin on the corner of Sygrou Ave & the Dionyssiou Areopagitou pedestrian walkway and conclude at the Thissio train station. A big surprise awaits them at the end of the course!
On Sunday, February 7, and the February 12-13 weekend, the party moves to the Zappeion, the classic Carnival destination for children, where a super-sized stage will host various events. The venue will be decorated Carnival-style, where floats, a Maypole, jugglers, stilt-walkers and a DJ playing a special music programme await youngsters. Balloons, masks and other items will be handed out to all children.
Additionally, the Youth and Sport Organisation has organized 10 children's parties, to be held at the Municipality's Cultural Centres, with the aim of giving children the opportunity to not only have fun but also communicate.
Finally, the City of Athens Philharmonic promises musical surprises for all city residents.
Carnival will conclude on Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), February 15, with kite-flying accompanied by the traditional party featuring music and dance from throughout Greece, to be held at four city locations: Filopappou Hill (10:00), Akadimia Platonos (11:00), Lambraki Hill (11:00) and KAPAPS Woods (11:00).
This year, we hope to see everyone at the City of Athens Carnival Events, for an Athens full of smiles, rhythm, spirit and imagination!
For further information, call 210 3621601 or the Citizens Helpline 1595.
Event Programme
Smoke
Thursday (Tsiknopempti), February 4
Children's events
Music Events in the City Centre
Wednesday 3/2
Friday 5/2
Saturday 6/2
Sunday 7/2
Wednesday 10/2
Thursday 11/2
Friday 12/2
Saturday 13/2
Sunday 14/2
10 Children's Carnival Parties - Youth and Sport Organisation (ONA)
Music in various City locations
Thursday 4/2
Sunday 6/2 morning
Sunday 7/2
Monday 8/2
Tuesday 9/2 evening
Wednesday 10/2
Friday 12/2
Saturday 13/2
Musical Strolls with the City of Athens Philharmonic
Voukourestiou St, Syntagma Square, Ermou St, Mitropoleos St, Evagelistrias St, Agiou Markou St, Eolou St, Omonia Square, Kotzia Square, Varvakios Market and Monastiraki.
Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), February 15
Traditional music and Greek dances featuring Lakis Halkias, Stella Konitopoulou and the Zisis Foundation Dance Troupe.
Traditional music by the group Aggelika Plasmeni and Greek dances by the Zisis Foundation Dance Troupe.
Traditional and Greek popular music by the groups Anemou Ota and Kavouras.
Traditional and Greek popular music by the group Mnistires.
ΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΣΕΛΙΔΑ 
