Carnival in Ionian Islands

ZAKYNTHOS

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, people 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. 
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.
Municipality of Zakynthos: Tel.: 26950 22315

KERKYRA (CORFU)

In the morning, the town herald, accompanied by trumpeters and drummers, goes through the streets to announce the coming of Signor Carnival.
The parade starts with the bands marching in, groups of people in disguise, floats, dancers who converge on the Lower Square for the festivities.
On the last Sunday of carnival, the parade of Signor Carnival ends at the Lower Square where the float is burnt.
Corfu Organisation for Events: Tel.: 26610 32685