Apokries is what the Greeks call ‘carnival’ and they’ve been celebrated in Athens since 1834 when the city became Greece’s capital. Until that time, carnivals typically only took place on select islands like Zakynthos and other locations like the famous carnival in Patra. However, when Athens became the center of Greece, the city’s lifestyle adopted many elements of this culture including carnival, masquerade balls, and wearing masks and costumes, which all became an indisputable part of celebrating Apokries! Today, carnival is celebrated all over Greece over 4 weeks, culminating on the weekend before Ash Monday.
During Otto’s reign, western culture was successfully combined with the typical Greek way of celebrating with the promotion of original, creative, and innovative festivities that drew everyone’s attention and attracted visitors from abroad. People gathered together, paraded through the streets and plunged into a celebration of singing and dancing for a party that lasted well into the night. Men and women gradually moved from European-styled costumes and embraced more authentically Greek styled masks and costumes; participating in various competitions and dance activities, they enjoyed folk spectacles, especially with characters like Karagkiozis - the most famous character in Greek folklore.
During the interwar period, Plaka became the epicenter of carnival celebrations; from 1931 on, festivities took on a larger form and were celebrated throughout most of the city’s picturesque streets. For many decades, Plaka remained in the spotlight and was considered a top destination for carnival goers from all over the world. Even today, Plaka, the prominent historic center of Athens, continues to dress in its festive best during Apokries! Children and adults in costumes walk around the old city laughing together, heading to Plaka to attend a great party or participate in creative carnival activities. Over the last years, the Municipality of Athens has been organizing numerous events which include musical acts and all kinds of performances, including of course, the traditional shadow theater.