Previous Page	Home Page	Maskot	Programme of Events	Carnival Means Art	Next Page

When myth meets reality then every intention of defining the elements which characterize the Patras Carnival are in danger to be incomplete or to fall out in the space of reality. However the elements which someone could attempt to define the Partas Carnival are these of fantasy , creation, life and truth that exist as one.

Every act that targets the continual development of the biggest cultural and social event of the country - and not only - during the winter time, has been based on these elements for nearly two hundred years.

Our knowledge considering the history of the Carnival is based on documents and on memories as well. Along these facts, the first Carnival Ball is considered to have taken place in the dwelling of a city merchant named Mr. Moreti in 1829.

The first elements of the Patras Carnival made their appearance in 1860 and after, having being influenced by the aspects from the Western Europe with the reunion of the Ionian Islands with Greece (1864). As it is natural, the biggest event of the country of its kind has accepted many influences which it has managed to assimilate and as a result, the city's inhabitants the Greek elements as well continue to be the prevailing factors of the feast.

According to the reporter and writer Nicos Politis the first "BOULES" - fancy dark dress costumes - made their debut on 17th of January of 1880.

The Paper - Fighting followed the Carnival balls in 1894 and the custom of Chocolate - Throwing in 1889. Soon afterwards, the gramophone took place as a new form of entertainment.

At the end of 19th and at the dawn of the 20th century private initiative enriched the Carnival and took a heading role in Greece.

The ways that has chosen to lead this amazing spectacle to this point were different from time to time but were the same to one point.

This certain point led the Carnival to its development and acceptance in general.

At the start of the 20th century the Patras Carnival was enriched with parades of Satirical Floats. At this time "Black Domino" figures - females - began.

Since then these traditions compose the today's inseparable piece of the Carnival. The inhabitants' refusal to accept even in difficult war times that the Carnival wouldn't take place, witness the joy and the deep infentification included in it. In 1951 the people of Patras made their coming back very strong and determined to enrich the Carnival and keep the tradition alive. The year that was the stage so the Carnival would claim its today form was 1966 and was opened with the initiating of the Treasure Hunt Games, resulting in the present participation of 50.000 masquered people parading in the streets of Patras during the Game Parade.