On Saturday, February 24th, “Dellalis” and his entourage will kick off this year’s Carnival events in Corfu.
Corfu. Events of joy, revelry, and abundant enthusiasm will once again characterize the carnival celebrations this year. Preparations in the Municipality of Corfu are in full swing, as time is ticking down for the revival of Carnival.
The start of the “Corfu Carnival 2024” will be marked on Saturday, February 24th, by “Dellalis” and his entourage, traveling from 12 noon onwards to various central points in the city (old town hall, Anunziata square, Pentofano, Liston, Kofineta, Plakado Agiou, Agios Antonios, Jewish quarter, and pedestrian zone) to announce the “opening” of the carnival season. Costumes, popular participation, creative activities for all ages, singing, and dancing will once again compose the scene for Corfu’s festive spirit through various events, beloved activities, and carnival customs unfolding from February 24th to Clean Monday (March 18th).
The hilarious “Petegolets” by the Corfu Events Organization, the beloved “Krasodikeio,” the “Treasure Hunt” by the Corfu Masquerade, the unique parade by the Ellinidon High School featuring impressive Venetian costumes, a plethora of dance events, concerts, choral ensembles, theatrical performances, and, of course, the grand carnival parades on March 10th and 17th will bring moments of carefree joy and entertainment, captivating both young and old in a celebration of happiness.
The response from organizations, associations, schools, clubs, and dance schools to the events planned by the Municipality is already significant. The official program with all the events scheduled is expected to be announced shortly. Events will also come to life in the countryside villages through the efforts of Cultural Associations organizing their activities.
Tsiknopempti in Spilia
This year’s Tsiknopempti (March 7th) will be celebrated by the Municipality in the Spilia area (square). A grand celebration of joy with dance, music, abundant wine, and traditional Tsiknopempti treats awaits everyone there after 7 p.m. On the next day (Friday, March 8th), the Satyric Carnival Group takes over to ring in the start of this year’s public session of the Mixed Sworn “Krasodikeio,” a carnival theatrical satire and celebration. Earlier, the Venetians of “O,ti Agapo” will parade in Liston.
Corfu Masquerade
The 17th Treasure Hunt by the Corfu Masquerade (for students of elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as university students) will take place on Saturday, March 9th, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., starting at Liston square. Concurrently, elementary school students can participate in the 3rd Junior Treasure Hunt.
Petegolets
The hilarious “Petegolets,” a custom stemming from the people’s inclination for satire, featuring Corfiot dialect, will take place on Thursday, March 14th, at 8:30 p.m., against the backdrop of the beautiful traditional setting of the old town in the Plakada t’Agiou area. Satirical texts with a satirical tone will be authored by Kostas Salion, and the event is organized by the Corfu Events Organization.
Ellinidon High School
The imprint of the Ellinidon High School of Corfu is strong and unique, adding its distinctive color to the events organized by the Municipality every year. It begins with “Tsikno…Wednesday,” where the choir will present a program full of enthusiasm and vigor at the San Giacomo square at 7 p.m. On Sunday, March 10th, at 12 noon, the well-known and beloved “peratzades” with their impressive Renaissance and Baroque costumes are expected to once again captivate the eyes of both young and old, transporting them to another era. This unique event will be repeated at the same time on Carnival Sunday (March 17th).
“For the last Carnival, we will participate again with peratzades and events in the old town, with imaginative, unique, feathered costumes filled with the inspiration and love of our school members. It will be a distant image of an urban carnival with drummers, providing intensity and emphasis on the events. Here, we would like to express warm thanks to the Old Philharmonic for our collaboration with period music and other actions, which we consider a pleasant surprise for those who wish to be close to us,” emphasizes Lisa Alexaki, President of the Ellinidon High School of Corfu, to “E” magazine.
Carnival Parades
The pleasant chaos of Carnival culminates with two carnival parades on March 10th and 17th under the gaze of the Carnival King. Masked individuals of all ages will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Methoni Street to pour out onto the streets of the city through a route filled with dance, music, vitality, confetti, and streamers, lifting the spirits of those present.
The carnival parades will cross Liston, concluding at Kofineta. However, on Carnival Sunday, the Carnival King will be led to the pyre, marking the end of Carnival. Until that moment, beloved events and various activities will revive throughout the previous days, offering a unique spectacle to the people of Corfu.
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