Residents of Exarchia, a neighborhood in Athens, gathered to celebrate a carnival that reflected their cultural identity, reminiscent of pre-pandemic times. Participants dressed in costumes, including masks representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Mayor of Athens, Charon Doukas, signaling their discontent with local authorities. The event concluded with the traditional burning of the effigy known as the 'metro-mole', a symbolic act aiming to critique ongoing construction projects in the area caused by the government's infrastructural developments.

Following the burning, the carnival revelers took the opportunity to breach the construction site that has been a point of contention in Exarchia. This action was met with cheers from onlookers, particularly children who seized the chance to enter and play. The mood was celebratory, with many engaging in recreational activities such as playing football, while others brought their dogs. However, the festive spirit was soon interrupted when police units quickly arrived to cordon off the area, showcasing the tension that remains between residents advocating for their community's preservation and the government's urbanization initiatives.

This carnival event highlights the ongoing struggles and sentiments of Exarchia's residents against the backdrop of gentrification and modernization efforts that they perceive as undermining their neighborhood's character. The juxtaposition of celebration and confrontation underscores the local populace's desire to reclaim public spaces and assert their identity amid governmental developments that they view as disregarding community needs and voices.