Xanthi Carnival

Every year at the carnival period you will find the city of Xanthi to celebrate in a frenetic rhythm the Carnival. For almost three weeks, the city is transformed into a huge party place, where children and adults are lured into the colors, sounds and smells of an incredible dance of satire. The Carnival in Xanthi is the second largest in the country following the Patras carnival. The event is held annually under the auspices of the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Xanthi and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country and the neighboring Balkan countries, who come here to have fun, dance and party. At the same time, it is a great opportunity for visitors to discover Xanthi itself and its magnificent Old Town. The Carnival of Xanthi offers an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to visit this city of Northern Greece, at Carnival time.

The famous carnival began as a revival of popular carnival customs back in 1966. The associations participating in the Carnival of Xanthi are cultural clubs, based in the prefecture of Xanthi. Every year each club creates its carnival costumes related to the theme of the Carnival and offers them to the public at a fee. Only participants who manage to purchase a suit are allowed to march during the Grand Carnival Parade.

The events begin approximately three weeks before the Great Lent. During a three-week period period, everyday happenings take place in the city. The program includes events which showcase the history, folklore tradition and culture of the region as well as various entertaining happenings such as concerts and other cultural events, including theater plays, exhibitions and re-enactments of old customs. However, the carnival’s peak are the Children Carnival Parade, the Night Carnival Parade and the famous Grand Carnival Parade.

The Children Parade takes place a week before the Grand Parade with the participation of school students. The Night Parade is organized at the evening of the last Saturday before the Grand Parade. It is an open call for all the people and canravalists to join, wearing old costumes. The parade ends up in the Central Square where a big party is set up, followed by another party in the Old Town. The Grand Parade starts at the entrance of the city and ends after a 3 km (1.9 mi) route at the old stadium of Xanthi F.C. This day, floats with thousands of masked revelers fill the streets of the city with music and color to accompany the King of the Carnival.

When the great carnival parade comes to an end, revives the custom of burning the "Tzaros". According to folk tradition, “Tzaros” (Jaros) was a man-made dummy mounted on a pile of trees. The dummy was set on fire in the center of an altar, a square or a hill, on the last Sunday of Carnival, so as not to have fleas in summer. This custom was brought by the refugees from Samakow in Eastern Thrace, and is revived every year by the citizens of the homonymous district which is located near the bridge of Kosynthos. The name “Tzaros” came from the peculiar sound that the burning of the bush created. This custom marks the end of the carnival season and is followed by spectacular fireworks show. 

Notice: There are limited accommodation options in Xanthi, so it may be difficult to find available rooms at carnival time. Therefore, we recommend you to make early bookings.