The history of Apokries and how it came about

·

Have you ever stumbled across videos and photos of people in Greece dressed up in costumes and partying for weeks on end ahead of Easter and wondered why?

Every year, on the weekend prior to Orthodox Lent, a carnival season called ‘Apokries’ takes place. It is celebrated throughout most Orthodox countries around the world and marks the last celebration before 40 days of fasting.

Apokries Carnival.
Xanthi, Greece- March 6, 2011: Friends celebrating in the annual Carnival Parade in Xanthi, Greece wearing different costumes.

The word itself, Apokries, comes from the Greek words ‘apo’ and ‘kreas’ which translates to ‘from meat,’ meaning abstaining from meat. It symbolises the commencement of the Lent fast which includes having no meat for 40 days.

Apokries Carnival.
Apokries Carnival.

Apokries origins

The roots of Apokries can be traced back to ancient Greece where festivals dedicated to Dionysus were celebrated to welcome the rebirth associated with the arrival of spring.

These ancient festivals and celebrations were marked by large feasts, music, and dance, as well as people wearing masks and dressing up in costumes.

As time went on and centuries passed, these pagan rituals intertwined with Christian practices, eventually leading to the Apokries carnival season becoming a dedicated lead-up to Lent practice.

Apokries Carnival.
Apokries Carnival in Patras.

When and where do Apokries take place?

Apokries typically begins ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter. The official commencement takes place on the Saturday and Sunday before ‘kathari deftera’ (clean Monday), which is the first official day of fasting.

Apokries is something widely celebrated through all parts of Greece, and often leads to different islands and cities in Greece hosting their own parties and events as part of the festivities.

One of the most renowned carnivals that takes place in Greece is in the vibrant city of Patras. Here, a grand parade is held, the city is decorated and people dress in colourful costumes.

In northern Greece, the city of Xanthi hosts a big parade, and on the island of Corfu, the carnival is filled with people dressed in Baroque costumes and street theatre performances.

Some of the smaller towns and villages throughout Greece also hold ancient fertility rituals for the carnival season. In Tyrnavos, they host an annual Phallus Festival as part of Apokries, which consists of people parading phallic symbols through the streets, wearing questionable costumes, and chanting songs. This festival is more than a century old, with its first written records dating back to 1898.

Apokries Carnival.
Apokries Carnival Land.

Apokries in modern days

While Apokries has its ties to ancient traditions, it continues to evolve and embrace modern interpretations of celebrations. From elaborate parades to cultural performances and extravagant feasts, Apokries offer a rich experience for both locals and visitors in Greece ahead of Lent to enjoy.

This year, Orthodox Easter will take place on Sunday, 5 May. Lent will commence from Monday, March 18 until Saturday, May 4.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Greece’s Prime Minister congratulates Friedrich Merz on German election victory

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has extended his congratulations to Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union.

Michael Pavlou recalls ‘panic’ during machete brawl at Melbourne shopping centre

Melbourne father Michael Pavlou described scenes of “panic” and “confusion” during a violent incident at Northland Shopping Centre on Sunday.

Terens Quick handover to new Deputy Foreign Minister for Overseas Greeks Antonis Diamataris

Newly appointed Deputy Foreign Minister for Overseas Greeks Antonis Diamataris said he would do whatever possible to further strengthen relations between Greece and expatriate Greeks