The Patras Carnival it has many aspects and many manifestations. It transforms, mutates and listens to new needs every year, so that it moves forward. Despite the difficulties, despite the problems, it is the only thing that still stands and insists on fighting and creating. THE “P” of Wednesday February 18, 2015 had presented a part of the leading institution of the city. Let’s remember that:
Here in Patras
And if sometimes we have our disagreements regarding what “should” or “shouldn’t” happen in the Carnival, we always stay together, here in Patras, to try for the best. A series of events unfolding in the carnival season
they compose the physiognomy of the institution and give a platform to groups, people, communities to act and express themselves in the city and FOR the city, with the vision that it will become even bigger.
The colorful King
“We tried to adapt whatever materials we had to the new designs to cope with our role. But, as it will
you see, the tanks this year are completely upgraded and different. The painting is still very neat and we chose to make a Carnival far from what we are used to…”
The tanks
Preparations for the construction of the floats have started since mid-October and the pace of work has been on fire for the last few days – ahead of political developments – in order to have everything perfect for the final parades. At the Carnival Workshop we met well-known “political figures” and got a strong taste of the East that will move to Patras.
The dolls are watching
The trademark of crews. The meeting point of carnival-goers. Where the young heart beats and creative ideas mingle with relaxation and swagger. A beautiful, natural and unique havales. The hangouts of the crews during the Carnival period replace the cafeteria in a way and are the place of action of the “restless group”. Friends and acquaintances gather there, drink their coffee and discuss everything. A little further, in the well-known changing rooms, the members adjust their uniforms, joke and dance.
Fantasy fiesta
What is Hidden Treasure? It’s a celebration. A fantasy fiesta. A hunt that begins with appetite and ends with excitement. A city is flooded with “kids” running to test their knowledge, their skills in solving puzzles, strange questions, pantomime and many other action and adventure games. The Hidden Treasure celebrates 50 years since its creation this year and continues to be the highlight of the Carnival.
It may have undergone minor changes over the years, but it remains the most intriguing part of the carnival events. It requires intelligence, quick thinking, but above all a carnival heart. Let’s have a taste of old photos, while we remember once more the first game, which marked a brilliant beginning for the evolution of the institution.
THE FIRST GAME
Year 1966. Until then, the Carnival of Patras, one of the few urban carnivals, with the longest tradition in the Greek area, consists of the parade of satirical floats of the Municipality of Patras, masquerade parades, musical groups and private dances or public dances . The events are organized by the Festivities Committee of the Municipality of Patreon, which is made up of prominent citizens with the approval of the municipal council. The active participation of the Patrinas in the events of the Carnival has always been its driving force.
The various associations and bodies of the city, such as the Naturist Association of Patras, the Traveling Club, the Patraiki Mandolinata, Orpheus, the Philharmonic Society, the Admissions Association and others, with their initiatives created new carnival events that enriched the program of Municipality.
Momos the Father
We realize that amateur creation (with a professional approach) has taken on large dimensions and is an integral part of the city’s culture. REFENE has gotten us used to good theater productions over the years anyway and we mightn’t expect anything less. Momos is now a key part of the institution, which improves and highlights it. In fact, its central philosophy – which is none other than the presentation of teams from all over Greece – might also be characterized as a political act.
Extraversion, communication, interaction. Every year the Festival renews itself, develops, hosts more and more beautiful spectacles from all over the country. It is the pulse of amateurism, a “mass gathering” of consciousness, which begins with theater and ends in an unforgettable party. Momos is here to stay. And while it’s here, Carnival can only hope for the best. The people of REFENE talk to us regarding the history of Momos, the goals, the hopes.
Carnival Committee
“Say what you want regarding the Carnival Committee, but at least one thing must be recognized for them: They completed 23 years of continuous action and are the most durable corporate form in the city, in relation to all the schemes founded with the theme and object of the Patras Carnival.
It is true that not every year might be lightning-fast and stormy for them. If you ask them, you will get many answers regarding it, but in any case, the conditions of 1994 were different, when there was a sweeping spirit for reforms and upgrading in Carnival, but also a need for the carnival cores to break the false- the-competitions and to “search” among themselves, and other current ones. The oldest of the founding members withdrew or retreated and the younger generations were not very nurtured in the trade union idea. Even if we are talking regarding carnival terms.”
- From “P” of Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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