Zakynthian carnival has always been one of the best entertainment for zakynthians , and strangers as well. On Sunday of the Prodigal Son , the “gourounokyriaki” as it called, the traditional criers are announcing to the island the start and the program of the carnival . On Smooke Thursday (Tsiknopempti) is being the entrance of King Carnival to the city .

During the 15 days of carnival are organized many dances masque in nightclubs , in homes and not only, wherever the mood takes off . Throughout the carnival, are organized dances , parades , events . Theater groups play in the squares and streets “speeches” , ie improvised comic projects with social implications that are played by disguised men .

Another noteworthy event on Zakynthos Carnival is the famous ” Gkiostres ” where islanders , with the escort of horses , undertake horse racing at Solomos Square in accordance with the old tradition of knightly competitions . Also, is made the representation of Venetian marriage in accordance with all Italian ceremonial tradition.

On Sunday the carnival parading the ” Piccolo Carnival” , ie the children and Sunday of Tyrinis is the zakynthian big carnival parade , with satirical performances and accompanied with floats and walkers from all departments and schools around the island .

The events are closing with the very entertaining ” Funeral Mask ” , a representation – mock funeral with much laugh , where the position of the deceased takes the carnivalist followed by grieving relatives , with indescribable way.