Evia and Skyros Prepare to Celebrate Carnival 2025 with a Series of Spectacular Events that Combine Traditional Customs and Modern Festivities. From Chalkida to Skyros, Every Corner of the Island Offers Unique Experiences for Visitors.
Chalkida
Chalkida, the capital of Evia, is gearing up to host Greece’s only Sea Carnival, with events culminating on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The iconic "carnival on land and sea" remains a major attraction for revelers from all over the island and beyond.
The impressive festivities include breathtaking performances on the sea, combined with float parades on land. The Municipality of Chalkida is preparing many surprises, offering the public a unique experience full of joy and entertainment
Additionally, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, the event "The Evripos Gaitanaki Dance" will take place on the Chalkida waterfront. Young and old dancers, cultural associations, schools, and independent groups from all over Greece will weave their own gaitanaki (maypole dance), creating a large human chain stretching from the old bridge to the pier of Saint Nicholas.
Those who wish to participate in the float and masquerader parade, which will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, can register between January 22 and February 24, 2025. The Participation Form is available either at the reception of the "Kotsika Mansion" Town Hall on the Chalkida waterfront or online via the official website of the Municipality of Chalkida, and can be sent to doappex@gmail.com.
The Chalkida Sea Carnival, which began in 2015, has established itself as a major cultural event, significantly contributing to the city's tourism promotion and recognition. Every year, with collective effort and passion, this tradition is revived, attracting thousands of visitors and showcasing Chalkida both nationally and internationally.
For more information about the events and participation, you can contact the Municipality of Chalkida at (+30) 2221351171 and (+30) 2221061071.
North Evia
In North Evia, the 2025 carnival celebrations are eagerly anticipated, as each area preserves its unique traditions and organizes distinctive festivals that attract both locals and visitors.
Edipsos: In Edipsos, the carnival celebrations include grand parades with floats, stilt walkers, jugglers, music and dance performances, gaitanaki dances, and the burning of the carnival king, offering endless fun for all. According to reports, from March 1 to March 3, 2025, the town will transform into a vibrant festival with spectacular parades and events.
Agia Anna:Agia Anna is renowned for its Vomolochiko (foul mouth) Carnival, a satirical tradition rooted in Dionysian festivities of antiquity. This carnival takes place every year on Clean Monday in the village square, where participants wear traditional costumes, sing humorous songs, and take part in comedic performances. Visitors can enjoy free wine, lagana bread, bean soup, and other fasting delicacies, while the festivities continue with live music and dancing.
Mantoudi: Mantoudi, Evia, hosts annual local carnival events, featuring traditional performances and carnival parades.
Limni Evia: Limni Evias is famous for its carnival festivities, which include satirical and Bacchic celebrations, featuring elements of ribald humor and playful provocations, deeply rooted in Dionysian traditions. These events are an essential part of the region's cultural heritage.
These events in Northern Evia offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the tradition and festive spirit of the Greek Carnival in an authentic setting.
South Evia
In South Evia, the 2025 carnival celebrations are eagerly awaited, as each town and village preserves its own unique traditions and organizes special festivals that attract both locals and visitors.
AmarynthosKnown for its spectacular carnival events, Amarynthos hosts parades with floats and masqueraders that fill the town with color and excitement. In 2024, a street party with a DJ took place, along with a carnival train ride that started at midday.
The village of Gymno, near Amarynthos, also celebrates Carnival with traditional events. For example, in 2023, it hosted the "Traditional Carnival", themed "Today a Wedding Takes Place", featuring a satirical reenactment of a traditional wedding.
Although the 2025 program has not yet been announced for the 37ο Carnival, it is expected to be equally rich and entertaining.
Aliveri:Aliveri is preparing for its 6th Carnival, set to take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The festivities include a grand parade of masqueraders, beginning at 3:30 PM, filling the streets with color, laughter, and dazzling costumes. The celebration culminates with the traditional burning of the Carnival King in the town center, marking the highlight of the festive revelry.
KymiKymi is famous for the Kymi Carnival, which blends traditional and modern elements. The events include musical concerts, parades, and performances that showcase the local culture and traditions. While the detailed 2025 program has not yet been released, previous years promise a rich and entertaining carnival.
Krieza:The Krieza Carnival in Southern Evia is a festive celebration full of joy, dance, and tradition. It is organized by the Cultural Association of Krieza "N. Kriezotis", attracting locals and visitors each year. The events include parades, the gaitanaki (maypole dance), dance competitions, and treats for both children and adults. A highlight of the festivities is the Spinach Pie Festival, where visitors taste traditional flavors and enjoy live music.
Avlonari:Avlonari stands out for its unique folk festival. Residents dress in traditional costumes, revive old carnival customs, and celebrate with musical events and theatrical performances. Although the 2025 program has not yet been announced, the community of Avlonari keeps its traditions alive, offering a unique carnival experience.
Styra, Marmari, Karystos:In these areas, Carnival is celebrated with feasts, banquets, and musical performances. The local communities emphasize traditional customs, with dances, songs, and theatrical performances that revive their cultural heritage.
These festivities attract both locals and visitors, offering an authentic carnival experience.The Marmari Carnival, organized in Marmari, Evia, since 1989, is a significant cultural event in the region.
The carnival celebrations in South Evia provide a special opportunity to experience the region’s traditions and culture, blending local customs with modern festivities. Whether you prefer grand parades or traditional feasts, Southern Evia has something special to offer every visitor during the 2025 Carnival.
Skyros Island
Skyros, the southernmost island of the Sporades, administratively belongs to Evia and is renowned for its unique carnival traditions. The Skyrian Carnival, with roots in Dionysian worship, offers a spectacular experience that attracts visitors from all over Greece.
The Tradition of "Geros (old man) and Korela"
A central element of the Skyrian carnival celebrations is the custom of "Geros and Korela". The "Geros" (Old Man) wears a black, shaggy cape and a goat-hide mask, with large bells hanging from his waist, which ring loudly as he moves. The "Korela", traditionally a man dressed in a female Skyrian costume, gracefully dances beside the Geros, holding a handkerchief.
This custom begins at the start of the Carnival season and continues every weekend until the final three days of the festivities. The Geroi and Koreles roam the narrow streets of Skyros Town, creating an atmosphere full of energy and tradition. According to tradition, the costumed participants visit homes and shops, receiving treats, while the festive spirit typically reaches its peak at the island’s Castle.
The "Frangos" (Frank)
Another distinctive figure of the Skyrian Carnival is the "Frangos". He wears European-style trousers and has a large bell hanging from his waist. This disguise satirizes the Skyrians who abandoned traditional attire in favor of Western clothing.
The Custom of "Trata" (Fishing boat)
The culmination of the Skyrian Carnival is the custom of "Trata", which takes place on the final Sunday of the Carnival. Locals, dressed as sailors, place a trata (fishing boat) in the town square and satirize current events through humorous verses, providing laughter and entertainment.
The Skyrian Carnival celebrations for 2025 will continue until March 2, offering both locals and visitors the chance to experience these unique traditions up close.
