Local Information

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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