Patras Carnival 2027: Dates & Guide
Held annually in the city of Patras, this is one of Europe’s largest and oldest carnivals, featuring parades, masquerade balls, and various cultural events.
The festivities culminate in a grand parade and the ceremonial burning of the carnival king. The carnival typically takes place in February or March, leading up to Lent.
What it is
The Patras Carnival is the biggest carnival in Greece and one of the best known in Europe, with more than 180 years of history. For several weeks the whole city of Patras lives for the carnival: masked balls (the Bourboulia), the children's carnival, street parties and the famous Treasure Hunt, a city-wide game played by teams in costume.
When it takes place
Patras Carnival 2027 – key dates
- Opening: Sunday 17 January 2027
- Children’s parade: Sunday 7 March 2027 · Saturday night parade: 13 March 2027
- Grand Parade & burning of the Carnival King: Sunday 14 March 2027
- Clean Monday (end of the carnival): 15 March 2027
In 2027 Orthodox Easter is on 2 May, so the carnival ends later than usual. The detailed programme is published by the Municipality of Patras – we will confirm the exact times when you book.
The carnival season starts in mid-January and ends on the last weekend before Clean Monday (the first day of Orthodox Lent). Because it follows the date of Orthodox Easter, the exact dates change every year – usually the big weekend falls in February or early March.
The highlights are the night parade on Saturday and the Grand Parade on Sunday, with hundreds of floats and tens of thousands of people in costume, followed by the burning of the Carnival King at the harbour.
Tips for visitors
- Book your accommodation early – hotels in Patras fill up for the last weekend.
- Bring a costume: everybody dresses up, and it is part of the fun.
- Arrive in the city centre early on parade day; roads are closed and parking is very difficult.
Getting there
Patras is about 215 km from Athens (around 2.5 hours by car) on the motorway along the Gulf of Corinth. A private transfer drops you close to the centre and picks you up after the parade, so nobody has to drive after the party.
All festivals of the year: Peloponnese festivals 2027 – month-by-month calendar
Frequently asked questions
When is the Patras Carnival 2027?
The Saturday night parade is on 13 March 2027 and the Grand Parade with the burning of the Carnival King on Sunday 14 March 2027. The carnival season opens on 17 January 2027.
When is carnival in Greece in 2027?
Carnival in Greece ends on Clean Monday, 15 March 2027, the first day of Lent before Orthodox Easter. The last weekend, 13–14 March, is the busiest.
How do I get from Athens to the Patras Carnival?
Patras is about 215 km from Athens, around 2.5 hours by car. A private transfer drops you close to the centre and picks you up after the parade.
Let us plan it for you
4 Colours Travel is a licensed local travel agency. We arrange private transfers, tours and stays all over Greece – tell us your dates and we will reply within 24 hours.