The carnival events in Nafplio, with this year's theme being "Every single thing... in Carnival's mood", began with the opening of the "Triodio" on Sunday, February 5th 2023 and with the Giant Puppets and the Carnival criers to walk about the old town at midday. It is the 31st Nafplio Carnival this year! The festivities will be completed with the Nafplio Carnival Ending Ceremony and the big Carnival Celebration and parade on this last Carnival's Sunday, on February 26th 2023. The talented actress Mathilde Maggira is the person to present the big Carnival Celebration and parade on this last Carnival's Sunday.
In Nafplio the Carnival is identified with the "Venetian Nafplio" (a reminder of the Venetian presence), an event that provokes our imagination and takes us to the era of the Republic of Venice's dominance, at a time of great impact for our country, that also marked Nafplio culturally and historically. Halloween events take place mainly in the city of Nafplio and in Tolo. Festivities are taking place in each village, with the care and cooperation of cultural clubs and the hospitality of the residents.
Ash Monday always finds locals and visitors in the countryside for the custom of kite flying, most often in Karathona beach.
Events schedule
Sunday, February 5th 2023
11:30 in Nafplio
At the opening of the "Triodio" custom, the public criers of the Nafplio Carnival visit neighborhoods of the city and proclaim the beginning of the great carnival celebration. They call young and old to masquerade and to get out on the streets dancing and having fun, as the carnival tradition demands. And the Philharmonic of Nafplio, co-passenger on the tourist train, spreads the scent of Carnival in the city and at 12:00 noon, in front of the Nafplion Town Hall, meets the various dancing groups, where they dance and end up in Syntagma Square.
As every year, opening of the "Triodion" period, the traditional Gaitanaki custom takes place. The postponed -due to weather conditions- Gaitanaki carnival event of Sunday, February 5th will take place on Saturday, February 18th 2023 at 18:00. From the Kapodistrias Square, cultural associations and dance groups holding their colorful maypoles dance in circles, symbolizing the spirit of fellowship, love and unity. They end up in Syntagma Square, to continue the party. Participating: The Percussion Ensemble of the Philharmonic of Nafplio, the "Tatsis" School of Dance, the dance group "Friends of the B. Papantoniou Foundation", the Cultural Sports Association of Nafplion "Chorokinissi", the Dance Group of the Educational Association of Agia Triada and the "Taxiarchis" Sports and Cultural Center.
Saturday, February 12th 2023
12:00 in Nafplio, Syntagma Square
The Paso Latino dancing group presents choreography in European and Latin rhythms.
Thursday (Grill Day), February 16th 2023
11:00 in Nafplio
Grill Day ("Tsiknopempti") celebration in almost every square and school in Nafplio and the surrounding villages!
12:00 in Tolo - In front of the Information & Public Service Office
The Nafplio Municipal Cultural Organization in cooperation with the Tolo Cultural Association, the local Schools and the Association of Professionals involved in tourism, organize a carnival event and party for children and everyone feeling alike, in Tolo village's center, at Sekeri Street. We celebrate with DJ music, many surprises, games for young and old, dancing and nice homemade treats.
19:00 in Pronia district - beside the Marble Fountain
A colorful and multidimensional musical journey is organized, to show the tradition, culture and local customs. It is accompanied by the orchestra of notable musicians and artists: Mr. Yiannis Kazas, Andrianos Golemis, Mrs. Alexia Chiotis, Mr. Theofilos Metasidis on the bouzouki, Mr. Haris Dimas on the percussion, Vangelis Trikoulis on the guitar and the amazing clarinet soloist Adrianos Drouzas.
Saturday, February 18th 2023
12:00-14:00 in Nafplio old town
The giant marionettes (giant dolls) in carnival rhythm, disguised by the ART 25 Team in carnival costumes from previous decades, spread out in the streets of the old town and surprise us, inviting us to meet them up close, play and dance with them. We will see them in central places on the weekend of February 18-19th and 25-26th 2023.
19:00 in Nafplio old town
A group of ladies from another era walk around the streets of the city, where they meet... the present time, they are surprised and amazed...!
Sunday, February 19th 2023
11:30 in Nafplio, Syntagma Square
The Greek Dance Workshop presents local dances and carnival customs from various regions of Greece's homeland.
13:00 in Nafplio, OSE Small Theater
Festival of Colors by the Action Team, a voluntary organization of young people, made up of pupils and students. The main theme of the Festival is the mass throwing of colored powder accompanied by music, arts and parallel activities, to celebrate friendship, love, joy, entertainment, optimism and diversity. Musical shows and creative workshops for children and youth will be held during the Festival. Entry is free and bags of colored powder are available during the event from special stands.
Friday, February 24th 2023
18:00 in Nafplio old town
The Percussion Ensemble of the Music School of Argolis sets the rhythm in the old City of Nafplio, by "drumming" the fun and joy to the city's visitors. A small trumpet ensemble joins them.
18:30 in Pirgiotika village
The Educational and Cultural Association of Pirgiotika "Agios Georgios" invites everyone to the burning of the Carnival King. Local women will offer us Gkogkes, the favorite food of Carnival and also traditional milk-pie. It will be followed by a a big feast and traditional party with fires, traditional souvlaki and lots of fun.
20:00 in Nafplio old town
The Municipal Joint Polyphonic Choir, the Municipal Youth Choir "Choirobics" and the Children's Choir of Nafplio "Tamperamento" with instruments accompaniment, offer fun and joy with their songs in the old town of Nafplio and unite with locals and visitors, to celebrate Carnival. Teaching - direction: Mr. Theodossis Antoniadis.
Saturday, February 25th 2023
11:00 in Nafplio, Syntagma Square
For the 31st year, the "Game of the Hidden Treasure" is being held. Unique, inventive, subversive! Groups of children in a great collective action with common pursuit the adventure, fun, imagination, ingenuity, are called to answer riddles, to use their knowledge and critical thinking to reach their ultimate goal... the big treasure!
12:00 in Nafplio - the OSE old Wagon
In front of the "K. Nonis" Municipal Conservatory of Nafplio, at the old OSE Car, the Speech Therapy Center "Dimiourgo" tells the fairy tale "The Little Kite" and builds it in a workshop, together with our small ones.
12:00 in New Tiryns
The New Tiryns Educational and Cultural Association is celebrating in the main square hosting a carnival event with masquerades, teasing, music, local treats and a lot of dancing.
19:30 - The Venetian Nafplio
The revival of the Venetian carnival is a unique experience, in a place reminiscent of an old movie and a journey through time...
The Dominoes begin the magical journey of the Commedia Dell' Arte from the Three Admirals' Square (Town Hall Square). They play with the audience, they "freeze", announcing the arrival of the great Helix Action Theater Group. Together they all end up dancing in Syntagma Square, where the Dominoes with the sounds and rhythm of the tarantella entice the carnival-goers to follow their footsteps! Immediately after, on the balconies of the mansion buildings, we will enjoy the girls and the actress of the municipal Experimental Stage dancing the tarantella.
Sunday, February 26th 2023
11:00 in Tolo, Main carnival festivities
The Nafplio Municipal Cultural Organization in cooperation with the Tolo Cultural Association, the local Schools and the Association of Professionals involved in tourism, organize the Main carnival festivities and a big party for children and everyone feeling alike, in Tolo village center, at Sekeri Street. We celebrate with a big carnival parade, entertainers, many surprises, games for young and old, face painting, masks and kite-making, as well as many wonderful homemade treats.
11:00 in Nafplio old town
The ladies of another era continue their walk around the alleys of the old town and upon arriving at the port, they see Bourtzi...
12:00 in Nafplio, Syntagma Square
The Philharmonic orchestra of Nafplio presents a special Carnival repertoire, with Latin pieces, Italian chansonets, and Greek traditional Carnival songs! Teaching - direction: Mr. Theodossis Antoniadis.
17:00 in Nafplio - The Big Carnival parade!
The big Carnival Parade starts from the "25th of March" street (in front of the Fire Department of Nafplio), it marches along Syggrou St., Amalias Avenue, Koletti str., when all carnivalists and chariots are ending in Nafplio Port (Place "Π"). A street carnival with giant colorful puppets. A fantastic parade where people and animal figures are moving, Street Carnival dancers from the schools and cultural clubs of Nafplio, as well as participants from different parts of Greece, escorted by decorated chariots, in vivid rhythmic dances and games accompany the Carnival King on his journey to... the big fire... This is the only giant marionette who doesn't love "Every single thing... in Carnival's mood" and is cast out of the party! Colorful fireworks will then light up the sky, while in the Philhellenon Square the celebration will continue with a surprise concert!...
Ash Monday, February 27th 2023
"Koulouma" custom in the City of Nafplio and in Karathona beach, where colorful kites fly all around the sky...
