The opening ceremony of the Patras carnival started with music, dancing, impressing lights and fireworks at the Georgios square (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfOKqnaUmHQ).

The weather was great and the celebration started with fireworks. Two big towers were built in the center of Patra and confetti were coming down from them. Laser lights were cutting through the sky and the party continued until late at night at the full of people square.

The Austrian band “Phoenix” presented the “Light Vision” show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7i4N63IHGU), which is a futuristic show with acrobats, dancing, and colorful costumes. The artists play with lights and contemporary technologies, in order to impress and entertain the audience. Patra mayor Andreas Fouras announced the beginning of the carnival in front of the municipal theatre “Apollo” by putting a big Euro in an also so big jukebox.

Right after that, 40 Latin dancers fired the spirits and created a holiday atmosphere. Later on the King and Queen of the Carnival came, who were followed by happy masked carnival participants and by the Patra municipality music band. The ceremony ended with a concert of a new Greek band, which also played a song especially prepared for the carnival in Patra. Of course, the night rapped up with an open air party accompanied with the rhythms of five DJs.

The scenography of the carnivals’ opening ceremony was done by director E. Vgenopoulos and the show presentor was the actress Katerina Tasou. The carnival will continue for 45 days and will end on March 1^st with a big parade.