Clean Monday 2027 in Greece: Galaxidi Flour War and the Patras Carnival

The last weekend of the Greek Carnival (Apokries) and Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), the first day of Lent, make one of the most joyful long weekends of the year. In 2027 the Grand Parade of the Patras Carnival falls on Sunday 14 March and Clean Monday on Monday 15 March – a public holiday. Here is how to enjoy both, with a night in the seaside town of Galaxidi for its famous flour war.

Key dates 2027

• Saturday 13 March – night parade of the Patras Carnival.
• Sunday 14 March – Grand Parade of the Patras Carnival and the burning of the Carnival King.
• Monday 15 March – Clean Monday: picnics, kite flying and the flour war (alevromoutzouroma) in Galaxidi.

The Patras Carnival

The Patras Carnival is the biggest in Greece, with weeks of events that end in a huge parade of floats and costumed groups on the last Sunday before Lent. Read more on our Patras Carnival page or book our ready-made Patras Carnival 2027 weekend from Athens.

Clean Monday and the flour war of Galaxidi

On Clean Monday Greeks head outdoors to fly kites and share a meatless picnic of lagana bread, taramosalata, olives, beans and seafood. In Galaxidi, a seafaring town on the Corinthian Gulf, the day turns into a colourful “flour war”: locals and visitors throw coloured flour at each other around the harbour, then dance and sing until evening. Wear old clothes, protect your phone and camera, and expect to go home a different colour!

A 3-day plan: Patras and Galaxidi

• Day 1 (Saturday) – private transfer from Athens to Patras (about 2 h 30), evening at the night parade.
• Day 2 (Sunday) – the Grand Parade, then dinner in town.
• Day 3 (Monday) – cross the Rio–Antirrio bridge to Galaxidi (about 1 h 30) for the flour war and a Lenten lunch by the sea; stay the night or continue to Athens.

Prefer something calmer? Spend Clean Monday in Galaxidi only, and visit Delphi, half an hour away, the next day – see where to stay in Delphi and Arachova.

Where to stay in Galaxidi

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer. Book early: Galaxidi fills up for Clean Monday.

Frequently asked questions

When is Clean Monday in 2027?

Clean Monday is on Monday 15 March 2027. It is a public holiday in Greece, 48 days before Orthodox Easter (2 May 2027).

Can I take part in the flour war in Galaxidi?

Yes, everyone in the harbour area takes part. Wear clothes you can throw away, goggles help, and keep phones and cameras in a plastic bag.

How far is Galaxidi from Patras and Athens?

Galaxidi is about 1 h 30 from Patras over the Rio–Antirrio bridge and about 2 h 30 from Athens. We arrange private transfers on both routes.