TouchScreenTravels logo

TouchScreenTravels

Our Touch, your Travels…

This is a preview of the full content of our Greece’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

  • All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
  • Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
  • The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).
  • All advertising (only present on Android versions) can be removed.

The app will also allow you to:

  • Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
  • Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
  • Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
  • Make one-click phone calls (on phones).
iOS App Store Google Play

Apokries

Greek carnival (Feb/Mar)

Metaxourgeio Carnival

Before Greek Easter, a period of fasting (Lent) for seven weeks occurs, ie: no meat and only fish with no blood (calamari is OK).

Usually taking place ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter, Apokries – or Carnival – is a time for celebration and finishes the week before what's known as 'Clean Monday' - the first day of Lent.

Forget Rio & Venice, if you want affordable fun, check out Apokries, or Carnival in Greece.

History of Apokries

As with most things Greek, Apokries dates back to Ancient Greece, thought to be celebrated as a worship to Dionysis, the God of Wine & Feast.

Apokries literally means "Goodbye to Meat," Apoxh-apo-kreas.  Interestingly in the Latin language, Carnival also has the same translation: "Carne" = meat  "Vale" = goodbye.

When is Apokries?

Apokries runs for three weeks before Lent, usually February / March of each year, depending on when Greek Easter occurs.  During this time you can buy a lot of fancy dress, and street celebrations occur.  A majority of the street parades happen on the last Sunday all over the country, the largest–and one of the largest in Europe–takes place in the port city of Patras

Read the full content in the app
iOS App Store Google Play

Kids & Families

Seasons, Festivals & Events

Text © Rebecca Hall

Images by linmtheu, Mark Bonica, Meta Lands