THE APOKRIES CARNAVAL

Compared to the Brazilians in Rio and the Venetians in Italy, the Orthodox Greeks in Ottoman Istanbul would celebrate the "Apokries" carnival on a smaller scale. Every year in February, a group called "Café Aman Istanbul,” made up of Turkish and Greek musicians, brings "Apokries" to life at The Armada. 

The Greek Orthodox settled in old Istanbul would organize this festival before the "great fast" preceding Easter. Everyone who attended the "Apokries" would don costumes and masks to join in on the fun that was kicked off with a pageant on Galata and Pera Streets. The fanfare would come to an end with a magnificent fair at "Tatavla,” which today is called "Kurtuluş.” The day Istanbulites call "Baklahorani"is the day after the end of "Apokries.” On this day the Greeks would lock themselves in their homes to fast and pray in expectation of the big Easter feast to come. After the Second World War, this tradition was completely lost in Istanbul. The "Apokries" activities at the Armada are enjoyed amongst the decor of the old Tatavla taverns and lively music from "Café Aman Istanbul." Café Aman Istanbul" is a group made up of Turkish and Greek musicians, who takes their repertoire from before and after 1922, based on rembetiko played at musical cafes and "Cafe Aman" in port cities like Istanbul, Izmir and Athens.  Sirtaki and other types of dance are featured as part of the group’s performances.