The Center

Vision & Mission

The Center of Tradition and Culture “Shadows & Masks”, an initiative of the Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of the Municipality of Patras – Patras Carnival (KEDIP), was created with the aim of breathing new life into cultural education and creative expression in Patras. By drawing on the city’s rich cultural heritage and the symbolic essence of the Patras Carnival and Shadow Theatre, the Center aspires to become a dynamic hub of learning, inspiration, and cultural innovation.

The Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of the Municipality of Patras – Patras Carnival (KEDIP) undertakes, with responsibility and vision, to transform cultural creation into a driving force for growth, participation, and social cohesion—shaping an open space where tradition meets contemporary thought, the arts connect with technology, and new ideas interact with collective memory.

Our Vision

To highlight culture as a field of expression, dialogue, and creative coexistence.
To encourage the transfer of knowledge and skills across generations of creators and professionals.
To contribute to the dissemination of cultural education by offering opportunities for learning and personal growth to all.
To place Patras on the map of cultural education and innovation, as a hub of openness and inspiration.

Our goals

To provide specialized educational programs in the fields of culture, the arts, and creative professions.
To safeguard and revitalize intangible cultural heritage through experiential activities and modern tools.
To support professionals in culture and the creative industries through training, networking, and skills development.
To enhance public access to culture and encourage active participation in creative activities.

About Us

The Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors, whose members and their alternates are appointed by the Municipal Council.
Among these members, at least three (3) are elected representatives of the Municipality, one (1) is a representative of the Enterprise’s employees designated by their General Assembly, and one (1) represents a local social organization. The remaining members are citizens or residents of the Municipality with experience or knowledge relevant to the Enterprise’s activities. In the case of elected members, at least one must come from the minority side of the Council.

The mission of the Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of the Municipality of Patras – Patras Carnival is:

The design and implementation of the annual program of activities and events of the Patras Carnival.
The operation of the Carnival Workshop to meet the needs of the Carnival, the Municipality, its public entities, and the city’s non-profit organizations.
The promotion of the unique craftsmanship and aesthetics of the Carnival through the showcasing or sale of works and creations produced by the Carnival Workshop.
The implementation of policies for the further development, promotion, and protection of the institution of the Patras Carnival.

The objectives of the Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise also include:

The organization of cultural events such as concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and other happenings in connection with the Patras Carnival throughout the year.
The development of cultural exchanges at national, European, or international level focused on the Patras Carnival, in accordance with current legislation; the establishment and operation of a Carnival Park and Museum.
The organization of training, educational, and other recreational activities related to the Carnival.
The preservation and management of the Municipality’s cultural heritage linked to the Patras Carnival.
The implementation of policies and participation in actions and programs aimed at the further development of the Patras Carnival as a cultural institution.
The preparation of studies and participation in activities related to applied research and technology programs for the further development of Carnival constructions.
The promotion and expansion of the volunteer movement for the Patras Carnival through the creation of a local network of volunteer organizations and groups.
The preparation, submission, and implementation of cultural programs co-financed by the European Union and/or national authorities, as well as the undertaking or participation in any other initiative or action related to the Patras Carnival.
The attraction of visitors to the city and the Carnival through studies, research, collaborations, and actions.

Old Slaughterhouses

The Old Slaughterhouses of Patras are a significant example of 20th-century industrial architecture and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1903, based on the designs of architect Georgios Lykoudis, they operated for many decades as municipal slaughterhouses, serving vital needs of the local economy.

After their closure, the buildings remained unused and neglected for a long period. Their physical deterioration, combined with the absence of permanent functions, left a visible mark of abandonment.

However, their historical and architectural value, as well as their strategic location along the coastal zone, highlighted the need for a new, contemporary use for the benefit of the city and its citizens.

Since 2014, the Municipal Authority of Patras, guided by the cultural needs of the community and with an emphasis on public access and participation, has prioritized the revival and reuse of the Old Slaughterhouses.

In 2020, with the completion of the European program SPARC (Interreg Greece–Italy 2014–2020), the gradual reactivation of the site began, transforming it into a cultural hub focused on the Patras Carnival and Shadow Theatre. Today, the Slaughterhouses house the Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of the Municipality of Patras – Patras Carnival (KEDIP) and host educational workshops for students, exhibitions, cultural events, concerts, and conferences.

At present, the Old Slaughterhouses function as a vibrant cultural and learning space, open to all ages, with a consistent focus on strengthening cultural education and encouraging public participation.

Patras Municipality Carnival Workshop

The Carnival Workshop of the Municipality of Patras is a unique space of creativity, imagination, and technical excellence, with a long-standing tradition and high expertise in the construction of floats, masks, costumes, and stage sets for the Patras Carnival.

Here, the art of craftsmanship meets imagination, and knowledge is passed down from generation to generation through practice, experience, and passion.

The space embodies the spirit of the Carnival and keeps alive a precious intangible heritage, opening its doors to young creators, professionals, students, and anyone interested. Within the framework of the “Shadows & Masks” Center of Tradition and Culture, the Carnival Workshop serves as a key axis of practical learning and application:

It hosts educational workshops, internships, and demonstrations of techniques, making use of the artisans’ expertise and the dynamic potential of materials.
It supports the production of original content for the Center’s activities, shaping an authentic and inspiring environment of creation.
It preserves and highlights the traditional techniques of carnival artistry, breathing new life into a craft that continuously evolves and renews itself through modern education and active participation.

Old Ladopoulos Paper Factory

The Old Ladopoulos Paper Factory was founded in 1928 by Evangelos G. Ladopoulos, originally from Smyrna. Within a short time, it grew into one of the largest paper industries in the Balkans, employing up to 1,200 workers and operating both in Patras and Aigio.

The company flourished until the 1960s, incorporating the Aigio Paper Mill and adopting modern production technologies. However, following economic challenges and growing competition, it declared bankruptcy and permanently closed in 1991.

In 1998, the factory was purchased by the Municipality of Patras—covering an area of more than 44,500 m², with a plot of around 58,000 m²—through municipal funding.

After nearly three decades of abandonment, the Municipality, in collaboration with the Region of Western Greece, has gradually been restoring the site through:

Allocation to the Region (30-year agreement) for housing administrative services and technical bodies.
Integration of cultural, artistic, and public service uses.
Creation of a unified recreation park in the surrounding area, connecting the site with the coastal front.
Architectural preservation of industrial memory, respecting the historical elements that remain, while shaping a space that combines tradition, modernity, and sustainability.

Within the framework of the “Shadows & Masks” Center of Tradition and Culture, the Old Factory:

Functions as a creative workshop, hosting educational activities, technical labs, and events focused on multidisciplinary cultural production.
Showcases the industrial history of the area, blending memory with contemporary use and community engagement.