In 2008, getting to parts of Athens on the Athens Airport Metro may be a little challenging as some stops will close starting in February.
February 2nd marks the Greek Orthodox festival of Ypapanti, or Candlemas. This is the date when Christ is believed to have been presented by Mary to the temple. Churches named "Ypapanti" will have special celebrations, but all Greek Orthodox churches will mark the day with services. Most sites and businesses remain open, and the overall effect on travel is nil.
This year, 2008, the Greek Carnival season starts in February. While there is no "Fat Tuesday" there is "Burnt Thursday" which falls this year on February 8th.
Important Greek Carnival Dates in February 2008:
Triodion: Saturday, February 17th (beginning of the season)
Tsiknopempti or "Burnt Thursday":
February 28th
Tsiknopempti Weekend: Friday, February 29th - Sunday, March 2nd
Main Carnival/Parade Weekend: Friday, March 7th - Sunday, March 9th
Clean Monday: Monday, March 10th
Valentine's Day on February 14th is not a big holiday in Greece, but some Greeks like the excuse for a special day with their boyfriend or girlfriend, and major hotels catering to American tourists may add a special dinner or two to commemorate the day.
For several days around February 20th, Ioannina vigorously celebrates the "Liberation of Ioannina", marking the time in 1913 when Ottoman rule ended. This is a charming city in the Epirus region of Greece, where some say the first Greek settlements were founded. If you visit, be sure to go to the ruins of Dodona, where an ancient oracle once stood.
[H4]Quick Look at Greece in February[/H4]
Mainland Weather: Usually cold and wet; snow in the mountains
Island/Coastal Weather: Cold, wet, windy. Sunny, pleasant days appear sporadically.
Prices: Low.
Events: Many arts events in Athens and Thessaloniki. Mardi Gras/Carnival can occur in February; it does in 2007, 2009, and 2010.
Facilities: Hotels and restaurants on many islands will still be closed. Ski season usually slows down, though the snows may be lingering and in some places, the season can extend till early April. Port visits by tender from cruise ships may be cancelled due to rough water.
More festival days and saints' days:
Local churches and villages named for these saints will invariably offer a commemoration of some sort, often including a public feast or other event.
February Name Days and Feasts
February 1st - St. Tryphon the Martyr
February 2nd - The Presentation of the Lord - Candlemas
February 3rd - Symeon and Annis Name Day; St. Symeon and St. Annis feast days.
February 6th - St. Photios
February 10th - St. Charalambos the Martyr; name day for Heraclia as well.
February 14th - St. Valentine's Day
Februray 16th - Name Day for Jeremy, Ieremias
February 17th - Feast Day for St. Theodor Tyron
February 18th - Name Day for Leon
February 23rd - Name Day for Polykarpos
February 27th - Name Day for Theodore
Want to remember someone with an e-card? Check out the free images available from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at the "Iconograms" link above.
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares
