About Masquerini

The city that puts on a mask

MASQUERINI is the carnival season of the Municipality of Katerini — pure joy and abandon. The pedestrian streets come alive, Eleftherias Square becomes the ultimate place of fun and play for children, and a parade changes the character of the whole city.

Eleftherias Square packed with families under colourful bunting at the Masquerini Family Party

The name

The name joins two words: ΜΑΣΚΕ (masque) and ΚΑΤΕΡΙΝΗ (Katerini). The mask and the city, in a single word.

How it started

Thirty businesses, one street

The person who envisioned it, pitched it and organised it is Vasilis Agiannitis. It became real in 2024, through the cooperation of thirty bars and restaurants and the support of the Municipality of Katerini.

Within two years, what began as an initiative of thirty businesses became the whole city’s affair. From 2025 the event passed to the Municipality of Katerini, with the businesses of the old centre alongside it.

By 2026 the programme is municipal and runs three days: the Family Party on Eleftherias Square, the Street Party along the three pedestrian streets, the grand Passarella, the gaitanaki and the fanos, and Koulouma by the sea. From the idea of a few, to the date everyone keeps.

Confetti above the crowd on Katerini’s pedestrian street, Masquerini 2024
Masquerini 2024 — the first year
  1. 2024

    ~1,500 visitors

    Ancient Greece & Greek Mythology

  2. 2025

    ~4,000 visitors

    80s 90s Disco

  3. 2026

    10,000+ visitors

    Pirates

See each year in the archive

Where it is going

The biggest carnival in northern Greece

Our vision is for MASQUERINI to become the biggest carnival event in northern Greece within the next five years. The ultimate destination for visitors, with an irresistible offer of fun, entertainment, high spirits and celebration. Masquerini is the most fun time of the year in Katerini.

Who makes it

An event with many hands

The Municipality of Katerini, hospitality and nightlife professionals, clubs, public bodies and volunteers — one effort, one crew.

  • Organised by Municipality of Katerini
  • Production & creative direction IHB Creative Solutions