Venetian Carnival in Nafplio

The Venetian memories of Nafplio, evident in various sectors, such as architecture, arts, culture, could not help but sprinkle their magic over the carnival of Nafplio. The truly spectacular carnival customs, brought by nobles and aristocrats from Venice to Nafplio, were harmonized with the distinctive aesthetics and culture, that pervades the first capital of Greece.
So, months before celebrating Carnival in Nafplio, the city lives to the rhythm of preparation, with the costumes of the participants being designed, sewn and tried on, for every Marquis and Countess to wear! However, it's not only the costumes that require preparation for the Venetian carnival, but also finding the appropriate accessories, such as hats, crinolines, wigs, with Venetian masks naturally taking the lead, creating an atmosphere of charm and mystery. Those participating in the Venetian carnival groups, have taken lessons and practiced their roles, so that they know how to walk, what moves to make and how to stand gracefully and elegantly, as required by the Venetian tradition.
Everything is ready until the evening of Saturday arrives, and the old town -already dressed up for Carnival with confetti and streamers- transforms into a colorful film scene of another era, and a figurative journey through time, for all attendees.

Dressed impressively as doges, ladies of honor, marquises, and countesses, with their white wigs and faces covered with elaborate Venetian masks, they gracefully stroll through the alleys of the old town. It is truly magical for visitors of Nafplio to walk unsuspecting, encountering harlequins, columbines, nobles, figures from another era along their way. The old town fills with original scenes featuring feathered hats, brocade costumes, velvet capes, elegant dresses, Venetian masks, and crinolines, in a celebration of Renaissance baroque and elegance, with a pervasive sense that you are in Little Venice.
The dominoes start from the Square of the Three Admirals, paving the way for the Street Theatre group, the residents, volunteers and students of the School of Fine Arts of the University of Peloponnese, as well as the Art25 group with its giant marionettes made from recyclable materials, along with puppeteers, dramaturges, visual artists and illustrators from the city. Dancing and engaging the audience, they all end up together in Syntagma Square, where the celebration reaches its peak, and people have fun with all their heart.

The Nafplio Carnival - the 32nd edition this year - concludes with the closing ceremony and the grand parade on Carnival Sunday, while the curtain falls with the burning of the Carnival King and the fireworks painting the sky with their colorful sparkling palette.
The masks fall, the party ends and harlequins, doges, ladies of honor, visitors and tourists make plans to meet again next year. Come to Nafplio, to experience the unforgettable event called the Venetian Carnival and turn your experience into a fairy tale journey through time!

Tip
Stay with quality and comfort at Origami Boutique Residences, unfold all your senses, and this unique experience will be truly unforgettable for you!

Did you know that?
The Carnival of Venice, which became official during the Renaissance, probably began with a victory of the "Most Serene Republic" against the Patriarch of Aquileia Ulrich von Treven in 1162, when people started dancing and gathering in the square of Saint Mark's, in Venice.
The Creative Workshop "Art25" has been active in Nafplio for the past 25 years. The creative team of Art25 consists of graduates from schools of fine arts, architecture, dramaturges, etc., who live in Nafplio. Among other things, they have been experimenting with the construction of giant marionettes since 2015 in collaboration with the Municipality of Nafplio, creating Carnival events and giving the carnival a unique identity.
Photos: by Vasilis Papadopoulos - Eurokinissi