7 Best Performing Arts in Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia, Greece

Each November, the best films by new directors from around the world are screened and awarded prizes at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Southeast Europe's most noted cinematic festival, it attracts well-known regional talent and some internationally aclaimed stars. Films are usually subtitled, and tickets can be hard to come by. In March, there's also an international documentary film festival.

A must-do in summer, especially for film lovers, is to see a movie at an open-air cinema. There are usually two showtimes (around 8 and 11 pm, the later one usually at lower volume, depending on the neighborhood). Call ahead or check the website to see what's playing—some screen oldies and foreign art films, and others run the latest from Hollywood. Most films are subtitled, but note that animated movies are almost always dubbed. Alex is the most central theater.

Apokriés—what Greeks call their Carnival celebrations—mark the period preceding Lent and ending on the night before "Clean Monday," the beginning of Lent for Eastern Orthodox and Catholics. These costume-and-parade affairs are particularly colorful (and often bawdy) in Northern Greece. You are welcome to join in the fun in Thessaloniki and other towns. Sohos, 32 km (20 miles) northeast of Thessaloniki, hosts a festive event in which people cavort in animal hides with sheep bells around their waists and phallic headdresses. In Naoussa, 112 km (70 miles) west of Thessaloniki, some participants wear foustanellas (short, pleated white kilts), special masks, and chains of gold coins across their chests, which they shake to "awaken the Earth." The whole town dons costumes and takes to the streets behind brass marching bands, which have a tradition of playing New Orleans–style jazz.

St. Dimitrios's feast day is celebrated on October 26. Its secular adjunct, the Dimitria Festival, has developed into a major series of cultural events that include theater, dance, art exhibits, and musical performances. They are held from September to December at venues around Thessaloniki.

More than 1,000 participants from Greece and some 30 countries descend on the Helexpo International Trade Fair to promote their wares—from gadgets to tourism products. An important event in Greek politics, the prime minister traditionally makes the annual state-of-the-economy speech from the fair, which is held in mid-September at the Helexpo fairgrounds. Hotel accommodations are very difficult to find during this period (as well as November, when the city hosts the International Thessaloniki Film Festival).

The National Theater presents plays, ballets, and special performances of visiting artists year-round.

The Megaron Moussikis Thessaloniki is a large venue that hosts ballet, opera, and other high-brow musical and cultural events. Graced by international and local orchestras (including the Municipal Orchestra of Thessaloniki), there are classical, folk, and jazz nights, as well as seminars and lectures.