Updated 10/02/26..
Due to the sudden death of Vice Mayor, Panagiotis Koklas all events up until the 14th of February are Cancelled. The programme below has been updated to provide precise information.

​​Events have already started as Zakynthos sheds its quiet island pace and transforms into a vibrant stage of music, colour, and celebration. Carnival 2026 promises weeks of joy, tradition, and playful spectacle — blending Venetian elegance, local folklore, satire, and family-friendly fun.
Running from late January through Clean Monday (23 February 2026), Carnival is one of the most exciting times to experience Zakynthos. Locals and visitors alike are invited to take part in parades, masquerade balls, treasure hunts, children’s festivities, live music, and unforgettable traditional feasts.
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official programme of events for Zakynthos Carnival 2026. (updated)

THURSDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (TSIKNOPEMPTI – “BBQ Thursday”) 
The whole island grills from the morning!!!
Grilling festivities in the neighborhoods of the town.
11:00 a.m.
Town criers in the streets of the city. From Agios Lazaros to Agios Markos Square, announcing the opening of Carnival 2026.
(Coordinator of the Town Criers: Alexandra Komioti)
12:00 p.m.
The Amateur Theatre Group of Agios Kyrikos “O Martelaos”, together with the local community, invite you to a Tsiknopempti celebration at Angeriko Square, with plenty of wine, dancing, and singing.
Carnival Dance “Piccolo Party” at the Athrio Resto Bar entertainment venue in Alykanas, organized by Fiesta Crew Vip together with the Parents’ Associations of kindergartens and primary schools of Katastari, Gerakaria, and Riza 3.
6:30 p.m. – ARCH OF AGIOS LAZAROS
THE CARNIVAL ENTERS THE CITY
Town criers, the Zakynthos Municipal Philharmonic, the Machairado Municipal Philharmonic, and the Zakynthos Acrobatic & Artistic Gymnastics Club “Olympiada” will escort the float of King Carnival and the Carnival Masquerade themed “The Great Circus”, heading to Agios Markos Square, accompanied by the Carnival Committee.
The Mayor will officially declare the opening of Carnival 2026. (No fireworks display) 
Live carnival music will follow by WHITE MUSES by Elena Liri.
(Event Coordinators: Eleni Vlassopoulou, Vicky Vitsou – Artistic Float Design: Giannis Milesis)
7:00 p.m.
Tsiknopempti celebration in Exochora.
The Cultural Association “O Platanos” organizes a grilling celebration in the village square.
7:30 p.m.
The Cultural Association of Kato Gerakari “Evangelistria” invites everyone to grill and celebrate at its venue.
8:30 p.m.
The Zakynthos Art Workshop organizes an open-air celebration with traditional and carnival dances and songs, free for all lovers of tradition, in front of ARTOS & YGEIA, at the intersection of Alexandrou Roma (Rouga Square) and Dionysiou Stefanou Street.

Masquerade Balls, Theatre & Venetian Traditions13 – 15 February

• Traditional Ball Maske masquerade dances
• Carnival theatre performances
• Venetian-style evening promenades (passeggiata veneziana) through the historic town centre
• Children’s Carnival Parade (Piccolo Carnival) with performances and dance shows in Agios Markos Square

FRIDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 20268:00 p.m.
The Amateur Theatre Group of Agios Kyrikos Zakynthos “O Martelaos” invites you to Popolaros Center in Ampelokipi. Costumes optional – everyone welcome.
8:30 p.m.
Carnival Dance organized by the Lithakia Cultural Association at “Panos” venue in Laganas.
9:00 p.m.
BALL MASKE at the Zakynthos Cultural Center, Solomos Square.
Organized by the Municipal Employees’ Association (old Zakynthian tradition).

SATURDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 20263:00 p.m.
Angeliki Kolyva Cultural Center, Skoulikado.
The Folk Theatre Group of the Cultural Association “Erotokritos” presents the traditional satire “Saint Gryfonas’ Underpants” by Antonis Korfias (Skarpas).
(In case of bad weather, the performance will take place indoors.)
7:00 p.m.
Zakynthos Municipal Theatre – Concert by the Piraeus Music School, featuring:
• Wind Ensemble
• Smyrna Ensemble
• Cosmos Band
Carnival Dance at Zante Village, Alykanas, in cooperation with the Cultural Associations of Pounentezoi, Maries, and Exochora (O Platanos).
Agios Markos Square – Carnival Dance of “Fiore di Levante” at Zakynthos Club.
*Please note that the Passeggiata Veneziana, has been moved to Thursday 19th February 

SUNDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2026 (CARNIVAL SUNDAY)
3:00 p.m. – PICCOLO CARNIVAL
• Parade starting from Agios Lazaros, with children parading through the town with imagination and joy.
• Gymnastics performance by Olympiada Zakynthos at Agios Markos Square.
• Latin, Commercial & Zumba dances by One More Dance by Korina Visvardi.
• Cheerleading performance by Asteria Zakynthou.
• Followed by A.C.T Carnival Party by A.C.T San Paramithi at Solomos Square.
4:30 p.m.
Children’s Carnival Party at the Lithakia Cultural Association (old Primary School), organized by the Lithakia Cultural Association.


MONDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2026
4:00–7:00 p.m. – CARNIVAL TOWN
Zakynthos Cultural Center, Solomos Square.
A magical carnival experience full of joy, music, dancing, and sparkle.
Wear your costume and live the magic!


TUESDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2026
5:00–8:00 p.m. – CARNIVAL TOWN OPENING
Agioi Saranta Square.
Ride the Carnival Train of Joy along Alexandrou Roma Street.
Each stop offers a unique experience.
(In case of rain, the event will take place at the Cultural Center.


WEDNESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2026
4:00–7:00 p.m. – CARNIVAL TOWN CLOSING
Zakynthos Cultural Center, Solomos Square.
Mask-making workshop, music, magic, and a final party to the skies.
Artistic supervision: Athina Lykouresi.


THURSDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2026
8.00p.m
Passeggiata Veneziana.
You will have the opportunity to take photos of the Venetian Costumes as the team parade through the town in true Venetian style.. The team will start from Agios Sarantes in Zakynthos town and make their way to St. Marcos Square.  
9:00 p.m.
Carnival Dance at the Zakynthos Cultural Center, organized by the Zakynthos Municipal Philharmonic (Machairado).

FRIDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2026
6:00 p.m.
Carnival procession by the Sarakinado Cultural Association, with traditional music, dances, ribbons, and satire, from Agioi Saranta Square to Agios Markos Square.
7:30 p.m.
Zakynthian Traditional Feast with violin and guitar at Agios Markos Square.
9:00 p.m.
Carnival Dance at the Angeliki Kolyva Cultural Center, Skoulikado.
10:00 p.m.
Traditional Carnival Festa at Zakynthos Club, Agios Markos Square.
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SATURDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2026   
12.00 noon.... Passeggiata Veneziana.
You will have the opportunity to take photos of the Venetian Costumes as the team walk through the town. The team will start from the Regional Offices located in Zakynthos town and make their way to Solomos Square. ​
3:00 p.m.
Lithakia Cultural Center – Folk Theatre performance “Ta Sympetheria” by Pavlina Riganelli.
7:00 p.m.
Venetian Wedding – 16th Century Zakynthos at the Municipal Theatre.
A historic reenactment with costumes, music, and traditions, inspired by Antonis Milanos.
9:30 p.m.
Evening Carnival Parade “Red Night”, from Agioi Saranta Square to Agios Markos Square.
Face painting from 8:30 p.m. for participants.
Followed by a Municipal Concert at Agios Markos Square.

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SUNDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2026
​3:00 p.m. – THE GRAND PARADE
Featuring Count Carnival and all carnival groups, from Agios Lazaros Arch to Solomos Square.
7:30 p.m. – POVERO CARNIVAL
The symbolic “funeral” of Carnival, concluding with the burning of King Carnival at Solomos Square.
The Mayor will then declare the opening of Carnival 2027.
8:30 p.m.
Marouloskorda tradition at Agios Nikolaos of the Mole.
9:30 p.m.
Cutting of the traditional Lagana bread and wishes for Good Lent at the Cultural Center.

CLEAN MONDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2026
​Koulouma celebrations across Zakynthos
12:00 p.m. – Koulouma in Tsilivi
Traditional foods, music, dances, and festivities by local cultural associations.
12:00 p.m. – Koulouma in Maries Village
Live music, Lenten foods, kite-flying competition, and traditional dances.

When Greece was invaded during World War Two, life for the Greek people was hard. Initially they were under Italian rule, as part of the Axis powers, but when the Germans invaded in 1943 things changed dramatically. One of the first things that happened upon the German invasion of Zakynthos was a situation that has now become a memorable and important story of extreme bravery.
 
A German called Commandant Berenz, was placed in charge of Zakynthos on 09 September 1943. He approached the then Mayor of Zakynthos, Loukas Karrer, asking for a list of all Jewish residents on the island. The list was to be handed over within twenty-four hours, with threats of severe punishment, if the Commandant’s request wasn’t granted.
 
Mayor Karrer spoke with Bishop Chrysostomos. The Bishop wrote a letter to Hitler, in which he told him that the Jews were under his authority and not the Germans. The Mayor and Bishop then visited the Commandant and passed the letter and list of names to him. It is understood that Commandant Berenz
presented the list of names and the letter for Hitler to the Nazi Military Commandant in Berlin. The list given to the Commandant by the Mayor and Bishop contained only two names: Mayor Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos.
 
During World War Two the total Jewish population of Zakynthos was 275 people, but none of their names ever made the list that was demanded by Commandant Berenz. Whilst the Mayor and Bishop were giving the list to Commandant Berenz, Rabbi Isaac Ghani, the President of the Jewish Community organised a swift mass move of the island’s Jewish residents. With help from the Greek Resistance, the families were hidden across Zakynthos, ending up in the mountains, farmhouses, monasteries and even cellars. The risk to islanders was great, but what they did saved many lives.
 
Due to the incredibly brave actions of both men, not one Jewish resident of the island of Zakynthos was ever sent to a WW2 concentration camp, and the island remains the only place to have successfully saved its entire Jewish population. They remained safely in their hiding places, undiscovered. They all survived and went on to continue their lives post-war, most moving either to Athens or Israel.
 
During the Great Ionian Earthquake of 1953, the historic Jewish Synagogue in Zakynthos Town was sadly destroyed, meaning that a lot of history was lost. But a lasting memorial to both the Mayor and the Bishop still stands on the original site of the Synagogue to mark their incredible heroism. The story of their bravery continues to live on in the minds and hearts of the Zakynthian people, never to be forgotten.
 
This incredible tale of the saving of the Jewish population of Zakynthos has been written about in several books, including Among the Olive Groves and Miracle of Zakynthos. It has also been turned into a short film called “Life Will Smile.”

photo by Ενορία Αγίου Νικολάου Αμπελοκήπων Ζακύνθου

Epiphany, or as we call it (ta Fota) Τα Φώτα  is one of the most important celebrations of the year in Zakynthos, rich in symbolism, faith, and deeply rooted traditions. With Epiphany, the Twelve Days of Christmas come to an end, and light finally overcomes darkness, bringing purification, blessing, and a new beginning.  Tonight at midnight, as Epiphany dawns, Zakynthian tradition tells us that the heavens gently open, and the wishes whispered in that sacred moment are carried beyond the stars to be fulfilled.​
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The Blessing of the Waters.
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On Epiphany Day, following the Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing of the Waters takes place. In Zakynthos, this ceremony has a distinctive local character, as the Cross is not thrown freely into the sea as you would see in other parts pf Greece. Instead, it is blessed using a long pole by the priest, in accordance with the island’s tradition.
In addition to the main port and central locations, the blessing of the waters is also performed on other beaches around the island, such as Kalamaki, as well as in several coastal areas, allowing local communities to take part in this important celebration.

The Custom of the Bitter Orange Trees and the Korokakia

On January 5th, the eve of Epiphany, Zakynthos comes alive with tradition. It is common to see children going from house to house singing the Epiphany carols, announcing the approaching feast. In recent years, a traditional Epiphany song that had been lost to time has also been revived, reconnecting the island with an important part of its musical and cultural heritage.

This traditional Epiphany carol celebrates the Feast of Lights and the blessing of the waters, using rich symbolic imagery such as the white dove, priests chanting, and flowing water to express purification and divine presence. Rooted in folk poetry, it reflects themes of joy, sanctification, and the spiritual renewal of both nature and the household on Epiphany Day.
This sense of renewal is reflected not only in song, but also in the visual language of the churches. During Epiphany, churches in Zakynthos are traditionally decorated with bitter oranges and long green leaves known locally as Kokorákia (Κοκοράκια). These vibrant green leaves, arranged around icons and the blessing vessels, symbolize life, rebirth, and the victory of light, echoing the spiritual meaning of the feast. 
The bitter orange tree itself holds a special place in Zakynthian Epiphany customs. The bitter orange is considered a symbol of purity and protection. After the Blessing of the Waters, households sprinkle holy water around their homes, yards, and fields, while a bitter orange is often placed or hung at the entrance of the house or near the home icon stand where it will remain there until Clean Monday, when it will be squeezed and the juice drunk as a remedy for sore throats. This gesture is believed to ward off evil and bring health, prosperity, and good fortune for the year ahead.
Together, the bitter oranges and the Kokorákia—seen both in churches and homes—form a powerful symbol of cleansing, blessing, and renewal, marking Epiphany as a moment of spiritual light and fresh beginnings in Zakynthian tradition.

In Zakynthos, it is traditional on Epiphany to enjoy avgolemono or roast meat cooked in the oven, while fish is avoided entirely. Bringing fish into the house on Epiphany is considered bad luck, making this day’s meal all the more special and meaningful.
The Epiphany customs of Zakynthos—whether through the blessing of the waters at ports and beaches such as Kalamaki, or through household traditions involving holy water, bitter oranges, and traditional foods—keep the island’s cultural heritage alive and remind us of the timeless human need for light, hope, and renewal.   Xronia Polla!!!