Carnival in Naoussa 2026

The Municipality of Naoussa is organising the "Naoussa - Carnival 2026" events, which will run until February 22nd, 2026.



The rich programme of this year's events focuses on musical tradition, feasts with patinades (traditional songs) and xinomavro wine (is a variety of wine, produced by red grapes cultivated in Naoussa).

The carnival festivities kick off on Thursday 12 February at 20:30 on Karatasou Square with a music concert performed by the band «PASSEPARTOUT».
The musical events continue on Sunday 22 February (14:00, Karatasou Square) with a traditional music band.

Naoussa's carnival activities revolve around the unique event of "Genitsari and Boules", which only takes place in this town during the carnival period, distinguishing Naoussa from other towns that also organise carnival activities. In this way, the tradition, the culture and the people who support, preserve and perpetuate it through the faithful observance of the custom are highlighted. The custom takes place on 15, 16 and 22 February starting from the traditional building of the "Genitsari and Bules" group (the event starts at 10:00). This carnival custom is a dance event. It has its roots in antiquity and is probably related to racial initiation ceremonies such as the coming of age ceremony.

On Clean Monday (23/02/2026) there is a free parade in the city and the custom "Koulouma", which is a top cultural, tourist and social event. The local professionals and the cultural associations and institutions that take part in the events contribute to the promotion of tourism, but also to the protection of folk traditions, highlighting the social dimension of the life of the inhabitants, their customs and traditions.