Kefalonia is putting on its festive attire and getting ready to welcome Carnival 2025 with boundless enthusiasm and spontaneity. The three municipalities of the island, Argostoli, Sami, and Lixouri, are taking center stage in this multi-day celebration. With events full of color, music, dance, and humor, organizers promise unforgettable moments for both locals and visitors. We managed to gather interesting information from officials about what is set to take place on our island in just a few days.
Argostoli: A Carnival Full of Tradition and Surprises
This year's Carnival in Argostoli promises a rich program of activities and events that will delight both young and old. The cultural advisor to the Mayor of Argostoli, Viktoras Roukhotas,speaking to kefalonianglobe.com presented a detailed program, giving insight into the organization.
The Opening of the Carnival and the Crowning of the Queen
The carnival officially begins on February 8thwith the crowning of the queen, who this year will be 13-year-old Christina Kalafati, a rhythmic gymnastics athlete. The program includes the Hidden Treasure Hunt game,which will take place in two phases on February 15-16 and 22-23,offering opportunities for fun and surprises.
On February 16th, the Carnival in Livathos will commence at the Kallithea Grove in Lakithra. On Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday), February 20th,the center of Argostoli will be filled with the aroma of grilled meat and traditional rice pudding. In the evening, a folk orchestra will perform in the square, while the souvlaki and rice pudding will be prepared on-site by the cultural association "Valsamo." At the same time, members of the cultural associations "Ballos" and "Xomero" will provide a dancing rhythm. On February 21-22, will be presented at the "Kefalos" theater the theatrical performance "Kefalonian Wedding" by the cultural association Rifortso.
On February 28th, the night parade will take place from Argostoli square to Lithostroto, featuring all groups and the queen.
On March 1st, a children's dance will be held on the ground floor of the theater, while on the afternoon of Sunday, March 2nd, the grand carnival parade will take place. Clean Monday, on March 3rd, will be celebrated with traditional "Koulouma" in Argostoli and Skala, featuring folk orchestras and exquisite delicacies.
The Carnival in Argostoli, as as Mr. Roukhotas points out,has always included elements of satire. The people of Kefalonia have always satirized political events.
Why Choose Kefalonia for Carnival Celebrations
In Kefalonia, as as Mr. Roukhotas points out,visitors will experience the beautiful island and its traditions, combining tourism and culture. "This year, the Carnival is taking place early in the winter, and we are working intensively to complete the events. More than 1,000 carnival participants will join, while the Municipality of Argostoli, in collaboration with cultural associations, is organizing the event. The celebrations are expected to conclude with a grand concert on March 2nd." Carnival events will take place throughout the municipality, from one end to the other, with significant participation from both locals and visitors.
Last year, the grand concert featured the well-known singer Anastasia.
Sami: The Grand Return of the Sami Carnival
Dimitris Mandalis, secretary of the Poulata Cultural Association "To Agalaki," describesthe revival of the Sami Carnival, highlighting the goals of this initiative.
Goals and Collaborations
"This is the first time a carnival will be held in Sami after many years," Mr. Mandalis initially states, explaining that this decision arose from the cooperation of the cultural associations of the Municipality of Sami, with four key objectives. "The first goal is the revival of the carnival culture, which was once vibrant in the area but faded and eventually disappeared over the years.
The second goal is to cultivate cooperation between cultural associations. This is the first time such collaboration exists in the Municipality of Sami, where all associations from the three municipal communities work together to achieve a common goal – organizing a large artistic event. Significant is also the participation of the local school community, sports clubs, and of course, the Municipality of Sami, which actively supports this initiative.
The third goal is to create movement during the winter season in the area, boosting the local economy and offering more entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. The two-day event (February 15-16) is designed to attract people from all over Kefalonia, bringing vibrancy to the town and supporting local businesses.
The following cultural associations are actively involved in order to guarantee together, namely the Cultural Association of Sami "Aigialos", the Cultural Association of Agia Efthymia ("The Lantern"), the Cultural Association of Erissos ("The Lighthouse"), the Cultural Association of Pyrgi ("The Pyrgi") and the Cultural Association of Poulata "The Agalaki" the best possible result.
In the coming years, if all goes well, we could further expand our activities and events even more.
The fourth goal is entertainment, with everyone participating in carnival events, dancing, and disguises."
The Events Program
The Sami carnival events will take place on February 15-16. Saturday will feature children's activities, such as art workshops, mask-making, and the "Hidden Treasure Hunt" for older participants. Simultaneously, artistic events will take place in the town.
On Sunday, the grand carnival parade will take place on Sami's waterfront, culminating in a major concert that will set the festive tone of the day.
The Clean Monday celebration will include traditional "Koulouma" and other activities.
The goal this year is to attract people and achieve the highest possible participation. The carnival, in the form it is being organized this year, is something new and unprecedented for the area.
Invitation to Visitors
“We invite everyone, not only from the Municipality of Sami but from all over Kefalonia, to contribute and celebrate together,” emphasizes Mr. Mandalis.
It is noted that on Sunday, starting in the morning, there will be live broadcasts from Sami beach, various happenings, and interviews, offering a complete carnival experience to all participants.
Lixouri: Satire Takes Center Stage!
For the Lixouri Carnival, we were given a comprehensive overview—one that truly reflects its reputation— by the Deputy Mayor of Culture, Ms. Eleni Loukeri.She emphasized that satire is the hallmark of the event, with a tradition spanning over 70 years.
Humor and Hot Topics
"Satire is what sets the Lixouri Carnival apart," said Ms. Loukeri,emphasizing that groups and participants choose themes based on current affairs, both local and global, approaching them in a good-natured and satirical way.
"We, as the Municipality, will satirize issues concerning unfinished projects and significant matters in the region, as well as topics from the Greek current affairs that have sparked much discussion," said Ms. Loukeri,.
Organization and Participation
Preparation begins every year two months before the event, with the Carnival Committee, made up of volunteer residents of Lixouri, working closely with the construction team to create floats that carry powerful messages. “Last year, because we wanted something spectacular with color, we used a dragon and presented the theme ‘The Dragon of Price Increases,’ which plagued and still plagues our country and beyond. We had a float with electric bills in various colors, while another float was dedicated to Nikola Farandouris, who is now an elected MEP, because he was a personality you would always find in front of you,” she describes.
The carnival groups tackle many different themes. There are many groups with a long tradition, such as the “Psychalismenoi Lixouriotes” and the “Oraioi Neoi.” Groups from local shops also participate, as well as carnival teams that have been formed, such as “Pare Patera Podarakia,” as well as cultural associations and schools.
“There are groups that dedicate their hearts to the carnival. That’s the difference that makes Lixouri Carnival successful. People do it wholeheartedly, and the carnival spirit has been cultivated here,” emphasizes the Deputy Mayor.
Typically, there are around 50 crews, ranging from 30 to 200 people. “We’re talking about a large number of carnival participants for a small town. As Grigoris Arnaoutoglou, last year’s host, famously said, ‘We thought they were leaving, changing costumes, and coming back through again!’”
Celebration for 17 Days
The carnival starts on February 16th and lasts for 17 days, filled with events, workshops, parties, and many different activities.
Most events take place in the central square of the town, as it is an open space that can accommodate the crowd. That’s where “Carnival City” is set up, while along the seaside streets, wooden booths are placed from which various activities begin.
The big concert will take place on March 2nd in the central square, and this year, the event will be energized by a “secret” band. It’s not just a concert, but an experience!
The city, and all its central spots, is decorated with lights that resemble carnival shapes, colorful banners, and a large maypole covering the entire square. Decorations start after February 10th to set the festive mood.
The Love of the Lixouriots for Carnival and Prom
“The Lixouriotes have cultivated a unique carnival spirit,” said Ms. Loukeri, adding that the carnival has been supported by municipal administrations over the years and is an integral part of their cultural identity.
Specifically, the Deputy Mayor explains that due to the smaller size of the city, and because satire is deeply rooted in the culture of Lixouriotes, it is easier to satirize any topic without misunderstandings.
It is worth noting that the Lixouri Carnival has showcased significant personalities, such as Leandros, Evangelis Aravantinos, and the Kolombei, one of the most historic carnival groups. “Every year, we eagerly await to see what they will present!” concludes the Deputy Mayor.
One Island, Three Carnivals – Fun, Satire, and Tradition
Kefalonia is getting ready to welcome the carnival with three distinct events in Argostoli, Sami, and Lixouri. Whether you prefer the satire of Lixouri, the tradition of Argostoli, or the modern touch of Sami, there are plenty of options, and fun is guaranteed!
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