Carnival
A herald goes around the island and announces the carnival program in the traditional way.
During the whole carnival period, there is a spirit of joy, with lots of dances, parties, parades, people in fancy carnival costumes etc.
Theatrical companies, perform in public the Speeches (omilies), which are improvised sketches full of social comments performed by men, wearing carnival costumes.
On both Sundays, the Parade of the King Carnival goes around the island.
The Carnival festivities end up 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.
Easter
The celebration of Holy Week on zante island is considered to be unique and unforgettable both for locals and visitors.
At midday, on Good Friday, crowds of worshippers take part in the procession of the Crucified through the town.
In the early hours of Holy Saturday morning and from the "Saint Nicolas" Cathedral Church the epitaph procession takes place (in accordance with the ancient custom), while the Bishop announces the Resurrection at the rising of the sun.
More info - Municipality of zante: Tel.: 0030 26950 22315
