| Zakynthos Carnival |
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The Carnival in Zakynthos is one of the most favourite fiestas. The carnival lasts 4 weeks but the last 2 weeks is when lots of activities take place. Inspired by the Venetian Carnival, smaller but full with spirit though, Zakynthos offers a unique group of events and take us back to the past in magic years... 
Some of the most famous events are:The first day when the Carnival starts, a town crier goes around the island and announces the carnival programme in the traditional way. During the whole carnival period, the atmosphere is one of joy, with lots of dances, parties, parades, all people are in fancy carnival costumes, etc. Theatrical companies perform in public the Speeches (omilies), which are improvised sketches full of social commentary performed by men wearing carnival costumes. On both Sundays, the parade of King Carnival makes the tour of the island. Lots of parties and masquerade dances are organised in many clubs, bars and public places. The last weekend, the Venetian Wedding is taking place where a big parade is walking across the town. This is a traditional event, a redo of a Venetian wedding, in which the participants wear costumes of the 16th century; the event includes dances from the period of the renaissance and more & more...! The last Sunday, at night, the Carnival festivities conclude with the Funeral of the Mask (a parody of funeral). The corpse is the Carnival King, and many mourning "relatives" follow the procession. The whole spectacle is hilarious. If you ever have the chance to visit the island during the Carnival Period you will notice that every day is a fiesta day and you won't resist to participate! |
