Mass Kite Flying
Families gather to fly kites together with panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf, partaking in the playful spirit of the day.
Koulouma
Κούλουμα Θεσσαλονίκης
Thessaloniki, Greece
Feb 23, 2026ExpectedSource
On Clean Monday, the people of Thessaloniki head for the parks and pine forests above the city for the Koulouma, the great outdoor feast that opens Lent. The biggest gathering fills the Seih Sou forest with picnics and kites, in a citywide farewell to carnival and welcome to the quiet weeks ahead.
Documentation note
FestivalAtlas keeps this celebration available for timing and respectful planning without inviting public footage.
How we decideKey moments
Community Folk Dance Gala
Visitors watch or join in circle dances (syrtos, tsamikos etc.) and listen to live folk music among pine trees.
Where it happens
Δάσος Σέιχ Σου (Κέδρινος Λόφος)
Thessaloniki, Greece
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Prepare before you go
Bring a kite
Read the local rhythm
Prepare a fasting picnic
Keep the visit respectful
Join the communal picnic and dance respectfully. Use basic Greek greetings. Avoid alcohol c...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Documented conservatively
Context first. No public coverage mission.
FestivalAtlas keeps Koulouma available for timing, cultural context, and respectful planning, without inviting public footage or contributor coverage for this event.
No media solicitation shownHow we decide
MAJOR RELIGIOUS RITUAL
Koulouma
Κούλουμα Θεσσαλονίκης
Thessaloniki, Greece
On Clean Monday, the people of Thessaloniki head for the parks and pine forests above the city for the Koulouma, the great outdoor feast that opens Lent. The biggest gathering fills the Seih Sou forest with picnics and kites, in a citywide farewell to carnival and welcome to the quiet weeks ahead.
Limited mediaMedia intentionally limited
AnchorCultural anchor
Feb 23, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
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About Koulouma
Koulouma in Thessaloniki carries the same Orthodox Christian significance as elsewhere: it’s both a communal farewell to Carnival (Apokries) and a solemn entry into Lent. Unique local touches include all-age folk music and dancing under the Seih Sou pines, reflecting the region’s Macedonian heritage.
Dress modestly out of respect for the religious day. Participate by eating vegan/fasting foods and observing any nearby prayers.
What visitors should understand
Attendance can be appropriate while active documentation is not. Let local boundaries define your role.
What not to do
unrestricted
Observation may be enough
Some celebrations are best approached quietly: arrive prepared, follow posted rules, and leave without turning the moment into content.
The story behind it
Koulouma in Thessaloniki carries the same Orthodox Christian significance as elsewhere: it’s both a communal farewell to Carnival (Apokries) and a solemn entry into Lent. Unique local touches include all-age folk music and dancing under the Seih Sou pines, reflecting the region’s Macedonian heritage.
Key moments to know
Mass Kite Flying
Families gather to fly kites together with panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf, partaking in the playful spirit of the day.
Community Folk Dance Gala
Visitors watch or join in circle dances (syrtos, tsamikos etc.) and listen to live folk music among pine trees.
How to show up well
respectful presence
Prepare before you go
Bring a kite
Read the local rhythm
Prepare a fasting picnic
Keep the visit respectful
Join the communal picnic and dance respectfully. Use basic Greek greetings. Avoid alcohol consumption in front...
Respect local boundaries
Dress modestly out of respect for the religious day. Participate by eating vegan/fasting foods and observing an...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 23, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Thessaloniki
Northern Greece (Macedonia & Thrace)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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