It is a fact that Ioannina is particularly rich in entertainment, day or night. A city full of university students who love the squares, sidewalks, cobbled alleys plenty with entertainment options to accommodate every taste. Wander around Anexartisias Street, Dodonis Avenue and Pargis Square, hear the buzz coming from the “koutoukia” and the “tsipouradika” tavernas. For those of you who love the “rebetiko” Greek folk music, the Old Agora and Garivaldi Street are your go-to spots. Otherwise, in Stoa Maramenou, stone domes and bars with industrial aesthetics and an upbeat atmosphere await. Similar sights at Stoa Liabei, while Kallari Street is an excellent option for a stroll combined with great local food. Tip: make your way to Mavili Square, the main meeting point for a morning coffee by the lake!
The Carnival season in Ioannina is undeniably a great reason to visit Epirus! The famous “Tzamales” are the local Carnival custom that is evoked every year since the times of the Ottoman occupation and includes the lighting of a large fire that lights until the first morning hours of Clean Monday (the first day of the 40-day fasting period until Easter Sunday) and the event is obviously accompanied by traditional joyful tunes and dances, local treats and bean soup. More than 60 neighborhoods light their own “Tzamala” fire, with the most popular being those of Karavatia, Kastro, as well as the one in Lakkomata.
Unique feasts and celebrations, however, take place outside the city of Ioannina during the year as well, namely the “Meet-up of the Vlachi” in July in Metsovo, the three-day festival of the 15th of August in Tsepelovo with local wine and dancing all night long, as well as the Wine Festival in Zitsa at end of August.
