Athens plays host to a number of carnivals throughout February, March and April, bringing a little spring to the step of locals and visitors alike.

Events are centreed around Easter and Lent, celebrating different Greek traditions and customs, making these three months one of the liveliest times to be in Greece. Visitors should note that carnival dates differ according to the Greek Orthodox Easter and may not coincide with western dates.

One to watch out for is Tsiknopempti, or burnt Thursday, starting the Thursday before Lent, this is one of the most festive days of the year, according to Gourmed, and is a chance for tourists to really sample some traditional delicacies. The day is marked with the eating of copious amounts of barbequed meat and as the grill is an ancient Greek delight, this is not to be missed.

Meat is to be a heavy feature of the following days, as Greece prepares for the fasting that will take place during Lent. Forget the diet, as Tsiknopempti is followed by 'Meat-eating Sunday' and a number of other events that will please the gourmand in you. Head to the grills of Athens ? or if you want to be guaranteed a table, the seafood restaurants are a safe bet.

Meanwhile, the weekend prior to the end of Greece's carnival season is celebrated with most fervour and is an excellent chance to see traditional costumes, music and dance as people to take to the streets for a huge party. Expect a little serenading and, if you're lucky, some mandolin music, while there will be plenty of rock to get the revellers up on their feet. In fact, most musical tastes will be catered for, as there is also a nod of the head to Cuban-style beats and jazz, reports whatsonwhen.

The excesses of the party weekend are followed by 'Clean Monday' or Ash Monday and according to gogreece, this is generally a family-orientated day. Visitors to Athens may find themselves embroiled in a scene of relaxing 1950s-style pursuits, as the city is taken over by picnickers and kite-flyers.

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