 A town crier appears on the streets of Patras; in recent years this has been a specially constructed float with music.The crier announces the opening with a satirical message and invites the town's residents to assemble that evening for the opening ceremony in George square.During a spectacular celebration with elements of surprise, as the programme is kept secret till the last moment, the start of the Patras Carnival is declared by the town's mayor from the first floor balcony of the Apollon theatre.