Christmas – Easter
Today’s city is full of life, in the center and its surroundings. The students bear part for this vitality while their absence is felt mainly during the holidays, Christmas and Easter, where they usually return to their cities and villages and Patras stays with its citizens as well as the people of Patras who return from outside and inside the country. During the holidays, on the eves ie Holy Saturday, December 24 and December 31, the city turns into a large place of entertainment. Loud music, drinks and dancing, food and shopping make up the picture of the days until late in the afternoon. In the evening, people usually gather in houses and later, in a limited but very energetic way, the fun continues until early hours. Christmas and New Year’s, eve the evening parties with invitations dominate. On Easter Sunday, early in the afternoon and after the traditional lunches, in the coffee bars in Rio, in the marina and in Vrachneika you will enjoy your coffee and very soon drinks, music and party will follow.
Easter, Holy Friday, after the Epitaph
It is now a tradition of the Patras custom to gather in ouzo and tsipouro restaurants immediately after the litany of the Epitaph. The most brilliant litany is that of the Mitropolis Church accompanied by a band and the city authorities but as a result the continuation of the night is similar. If the weather is good, the squares and pedestrian streets, the traditional cafes, the taverns, the restaurants will be filled with people who will prefer the traditional fasting food accompanied by alcohol, good company, conversation and relaxation. On Holy Saturday Early in the morning the bells for the first Resurrection will ring. In a safe environment, drop and break a small ceramic utensil, maintaining the custom that resembles that of Corfu.
Saint Andrew (Tayiantreos) 30th of November
It is the feast of the saint of Patras and the city is celebrating. This day runs like Sunday with the difference that lunch is usually cod with garlic. On the eve of this day, shops of the center, restaurant, coffees and bars are full and immediately after, in the early morning hours you will meet the same people in the church of Agios Andreas lighting a candle before going to bed..
Tsiknopempti
It is the Thursday 10 days before the Carnival Weekend. According to religion customs, it is the last day of meat eating before 50day fasting. The city celebrates like no other! Informally it could be considered a half holiday since the grills are lit from 11.00 in the morning. Same story is everywhere in the city, in the shopping mall, in the neighborhoods, in the handicrafts and factories, in the yards of the houses. By noon a cloud and smell of BBQ covers the city and the music and drink harmoniously complement the activity around the grills. The planned events within the framework of the Carnival start in the early afternoon, which entice participants and not until late at night to dance and have fun in squares, streets and shops.
Fest of flowers, 1st May
The previous afternoon and evening of 1st of May, the square of Psila Alonia is transformed into a large flower bazaar. Hundreds of benches are set up around the square and together with music and dance events organized by the Municipality of Patras, a celebration is created for all ages and all tastes. Catering shops and street vendors will serve food and drink, and flower stalls will give you the opportunity to offer flowers to your loved ones.
August in town
Traditionally, in the hottest month of summer, especially on days around August 15, the city stays empty. Many restaurants as well as shops are closed for summer holidays and you will certainly find it difficult to meet people in the city center at noon. Those who have remained in the city will be protected from the heat and hot sun either in an air-conditioned area or in the nearby beaches. In the evening, if you choose to stay in the center, prefer for your walk the castle area, Psila Alonia or the coastal zone
Shopping
Most of the shops remain closed based on the decisions of the trade association, on Sundays and public holidays. There are cases that are defined differently, such as traditionally the last Sunday before Christmas and the last Sunday of the year, as well as some Sundays that are chosen based on ministerial decisions. At noon around 14.30-17.30 most of the shops, especially local ones, are closed, as well as every Monday and Wednesday afternoon. This habit gives time for rest to the employees but also to the city itself where the rhythms and the traffic drops.