Πατρινό Καρναβάλι (Patras Carnival) is Greece’s largest and most exuberant carnival celebration, held annually in the coastal city of Patras from January through Clean Monday. Dating back over 180 years, the event combines street parades, masquerade balls, theatrical performances, and an explosion of music, dance, and color. Highlights include the massive Grand Parade, the playful Treasure Hunt, and the Burning of the Carnival King, which concludes the festivities in a blaze of fireworks. Rooted in both Venetian influence and Greek folk tradition, the Patras Carnival is a dazzling expression of creativity, humor, and Mediterranean spirit.

DATES & TIMES
• Dates: Exact 2026 details not yet published—check official site nearer the date: Official site & Timetable.
• Annual pattern: Opens mid‑January and runs through Clean Monday; Night Parade on the last Saturday and Big Parade on the final Sunday.
• Programme: Exact timetable publishes annually — watch the official programme page: Programme.

LOCATION
• Main hub: Georgiou I Square (opening & central events). Open in Google Maps.
• Parade route: Through Patras city centre; map and updates via the official site’s parade pages: Big Parade / Night Parade.

TICKETS & ENTRY
• Public street event: No general admission tickets are listed on the official site; follow announcements for any seated areas or venue‑based events: Ticket info.

GOOD TO KNOW
• Getting there: Athens → Kiato by suburban rail, then bus to Patras: Hellenic Train & KTEL Achaia buses.
• Viewing: Arrive early for the Night Parade (Saturday) and Big Parade (Sunday); crowds are dense around Georgiou I Sq and along the main boulevards.

Want front‑row vibes without the chaos? We’ll plan a step‑by‑step route for Night Parade & Big Parade, with quiet shortcuts and exit points — Hire Tripologiste.