In Europe, the tradition of Carnival persisted well into Christian times, because it was deeply rooted in Pagan superstition and the folklore of Europe. Carnival was transplanted to the New World Colonies, particularly by the French settlement in Louisiana in 2nd of March, 1699. In most Christian countries, Carnival is the last celebration before the beginning of the forty day period of fasting in preparation for Easter. Carnival in Greek is also called Apokrea or Apokria, which literally means abstinence from meat (apo-kreas.) Similarly, the word Carnival means the same (corne: means meat, and vale: means take leave of.)

In Greece, there are numerous cities that have beautiful Carnival celebrations, but the most popular one takes place in Patras. In the city of Patras, Carnival celebrations first took place in 1870, as the city was experiencing financial acme. The strategic location (southwest of Greece in the peninsula of Peloponnesus) of the city and its close proximity with the West and especially Italy has imported elements from Carnival in Venice. These elements have transformed the Carnival in Patras to a spectacular celebration of artistic expression, aesthetics, and satirical masquerading. The Carnival begins on January 17th on St. Anthony’s day and lasts up to Clean Monday. It is indeed the most important event of the city and the country during this time of the year. More than 30,000 volunteers take part in Carnival preparations, and 300,000 people from all over the world have the opportunity to watch parades and music concerts, participate in balls, and enjoy pantomimes and patters, just to name a few activities. Some old celebrations still retain a special mystery and magic that residents of the city, along with various participants, take part in.

One such celebration is the Bourboulia. In the old days, women were not allowed to go out at night time, especially during Carnival celebrations. The Bourboulia gave women the opportunity to participate, but under the condition of wearing black dominoes (a kind of black dress with hood) and a mask. When women were dressed as such, they could enjoy the Carnival celebrations or even flirt without being recognized. Although, times have changed, Bourboulia is widely celebrated with a sense of humor, as all participants continue to wear dominoes, black masks, and travel back in time.

Another old-world tradition is the Boules in the city of Naoussa, Northern Greece. Boules is associated with the War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. During the Revolutionary War (1821-1827), warriors hid in the mountains. During the Carnival, they came to the city disguised in masquerades, so they could pass unobserved by the authorities to see friends and relatives. Today, Boules is still celebrated with all its traditional characteristics that fill the residents of the city of Naoussa with a special national pride and joy. The fun continues in Patras for the search of hidden treasures scattered around the city. Treasure hunt groups also take part in contests, such as artistic painting, pantomime, theatrical sketch, and the ability to find their way through hidden evidence in search of the treasure. Each group is rated for their overall performance in the various phases of the game and at the closing ceremony the Grand Winner of the treasure hunt is announced. In Patras, at the closing of Carnival celebrations, it is customary for all participants and crews to meet at the central quay of the harbor. The Carnival King is called upon to say farewell and announce the date of the Carnival for the next year. The float of the Carnival King is burned at the joyous sound of Carnival music, spectacular fireworks, endless dancing, and unforgettable memories.

On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, in the USA, the most popular Carnival Celebration is in New Orleans, also called Mardi Gras, which is a French term and is translated as Fat Tuesday. The Carnival King, Rex, has reigned as King since 1872. He still wears his first royal colors of purple, green, and gold, and a song played in the first parade “If ever I cease to love” has become the official Carnival Anthem. The creation of King Rex is quite fascinating. During the early days of Carnival, a Russian Grand Duke, Alexis Romanoff, was scheduled to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The city decided to add a spectacular element in the parade to entertain the Duke, and the citizens and visitors, as well. Today, Rex is still the Carnival King, and Mardi Gras is celebrated with spectacular parades, elaborate costumes, masked balls, and street dances.

However, in the USA, Halloween is the only-related celebration that has the mega-scope of Carnival, with nationwide festivities organized either by communities or individuals. Although, the historic roots and elements of Halloween are different from Carnival, Halloween resembles Carnival given the extent and popularity amongst the people, especially the younger generation. In fact, Halloween is a blend of ancient and modern influences. Some symbols were invented by Medieval Christians, i.e. black cats or witches. Today, modern fiction has added new scary images, i.e. vampires and mummies, and many teens take great joy in impersonating them. There is a true value of Halloween that does not come from parades and costumes, but from the interaction and exchange with neighbors and friends, or even total strangers. Halloween is the only time of the year when people make an effort to entertain, scare, and amuse friends and neighbors in a similar fashion to Carnival. This Halloween or Carnival season, try to get into the spirit of the celebration, just as our Greek ancestors envisioned it…!