The Patras Carnival A must see for Filipino Greeks Words & photos by Wilhelmina A. Mendoza
Tens of thousands of people filled the long stretch of Korinthou St. in the City of Patra, 134 mi. West of Athens, Greece to watch the big and grand parade of colorful floats and costumes of the yearly celebration called Patrino Karnavali or Patras Carnival, the biggest carnival celebration of its kind here in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe.
Next to it was the float of its queen who is actually a beautiful lady throwing kisses to the crowd. Hundreds of Filipinos took part in this celebration. They didn’t mind the almost four hours of travel just to grace the spectacular parade which is famous all over the world. They also wore their costumes and masks; some even danced on the side streets before the parade started and celebrated the joy of the day with the big crowd. Young and old, men and women, everybody had fun. “Enjoy na enjoy kami. Napakaganda ng mga float nila, ang gaganda ng mga costume nila…halos ayaw na naming umuwi. Enjoy na enjoy lalo na yung mga bata. Siguro sa susunod na taon babalik ulit kami dahil mamimiss namin yung mga napanood namin kanina na talagang napakasaya.” Mr. Lito Gapate, one of the Pinoy tourists who was able to view the parade exclaimed.
Different groups and organizations showed off their artistry through their costumes of different colorful hues and stylistic designs, some of which depicted how they feel about the current economic crisis of the country. And the big grand floats, some of which served as political satire due to the comical designs of the characters in the float got the most attention. There was a float that symbolized the troika, the trikephalos that symbolized the three ruling parties of Greece, a float for the syntaxiouchi or pensioners and many more which showed Greek ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry. Of course, the most spectacular float of all was the float of “The carnival was amazing!” those the king carnival, the key character of were the only words 13 year old Jona the event presented in all its splendour. Rose Manalo was able to say after being 52
stunned by the majestic parade she saw. They were also able to shop for some souvenirs depicting the occasion and the city showing the important roles of Patras in the history of Greece. Aside from the parade of floats, other important events in the Patras carnival celebrations were treasure hunting, burning of King Carnival, fireworks display and the famous chocolate war wherein boys and girls in the floats throw chocolates to spectators. Patras Carnival has been celebrated for more than 160 years. But now it is
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related to religious traditions, Lent in particular. History says that during this period, devotees celebrate and eat all kinds of food and meat as long as they could for the last time. The celebration of Patras Carnival closes on a Sunday and the next Monday, known as the Kathara Deftera or Clean Monday, marks the start of the 40- day Lenten Season here in Greece following the Eastern Orthodox Calendar. This time devotees refrain from eating foods such as meat, fats, dairy and sugar until the whole Lenten Season ends. Filipinos, being overwhelmingly religious, follow Christian traditions wherever they are in any part of the world.
Pinoys watching the parade 53