Top 10 Festivals in Greece

Step into the world of fascinating festivals in Greece, where ancient customs and modern celebrations intertwine. This enchanting fusion captures the essence of Greece's cultural legacy. Bask in the warm Mediterranean sunshine and gentle waves at the shoreline as you embark on an unforgettable journey of culture, joy, and gastronomy with Top Festivals in Greece.

Epiphany

Epiphany takes place on January 6th and marks the end of the period of Christmas season. During the festival, visitors in Greece are lucky to witness the spectacle of water celebrations.

In the Orthodox tradition, the feast of Epiphany is associated with the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. After sanctification on January 5th, the most crucial celebration will take place throughout the country. They all revolve around the important ritual called "the blessing of water," which is performed by a Greek Orthodox priest throwing a cross into the frozen water. Young men have to dive into the water and find it. The winner's prize is the pleasure of enjoying fortune and health for the entire year.

Orthodox Easter

If you are looking for a unique Easter experience, why not experience your next Easter in Greece?

As an Orthodox Easter falls on March 31, 2024. On the countdown period of the Holy Week, people will start the period of Lent. You can see a street procession on the night of Good Friday with people following the priests holding candles. When the Holy Week ends, the real celebration begins. The most beloved tradition on Easter is egg cracking or tsougrisma. People hold eggs and crack them by hitting each other's eggs. The winner is considered to enjoy good luck all year. Instead of chocolate eggs, Greeks use real eggs painted red as Easter eggs, which represent the blood of Jesus.

Athens Epidaurus Festival

Want to discover the essence of Western theatre? Don't miss the chance to experience the endless fun in its birthplace.

For the past 68 years, the Athens Epidaurus Festival has been a celebration of theatrical productions, concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events that unite global artists in this unforgettable event. The festival's theatrical program provides performances ranging from Greek tragedies to temporary plays. Last for two months from July 2024, this grand art feast will take place in several venues in Athens and Epidaurus, and the most notable venue is the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. As one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the open-air theatre allows audiences to sit on stone tiers, surrounded by lush greenery, while enjoying impressive acoustics.

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All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day is an important holy day celebrated annually on November 1st. This day is dedicated to commemorating all the saints who have attained heaven.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, memorial services are held to commemorate saints. For Greeks, lighting candles during these services is believed to prevent the souls of their loved ones from being lost in the darkness. It's a way to express love and respect for them. A special food called koliva, made of boiled wheat, is placed in front of the tables. After it's blessed by the priest, it is brought to the refectory and served to the attendees.

Ohi Day

Ohi Day is celebrated as the symbol of fighting against foreign occupation. During the weekend, the whole country immerse themselves in the joy of celebration.

With the streets decorated with Greek flags, people march into parades consisting of marching bands, clubs, and school children. If you are interested in joining them, Thessaloniki holds the grandest one on the 28th of October. Feel free to blend in with local people and enjoy watching the parade while street vendors sell flags, cotton candy, and other delights. Lucky for tourists, all government-owned archaeological sites and museums are free to enter on Ohi Day, providing a fantastic opportunity to visit some of Greece's iconic landmarks.

Acropolis Museum, Athens

Athens Marathon

The organizer of the first Olympics in 1896 devised the marathon race recalling the glory of Ancient Greece, and it became popular throughout the world ever since.

The grand opening ceremony takes place on November 10th,2024, followed by a 10km road race. The historical start takes place at Marathon Starting Venue in the town of Marathon on the next day. Runners will follow a route that passes many of Athens' great venues and landmarks, and the race ends at the Panathenaic stadium. You can watch the exciting race in the best observation spot like the Katehaki pedestrian bridge, the Athens concert hall, the Statue of the Runner, and the Kallimarmaro Stadium.

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Carnival of Corfu

Inspired by Venice culture, the Carnival of Corfu gives a feeling of traveling back to the Middle Ages while the streets are full of people dressed in fancy costumes.

The carnival in 2024 will take place from the 4th to the 13th of March. The best places to see the highlight of the carnival parades are in Liston or Spianada squares, Colorful parades accompanied by singing and dancing throughout the island. The Great Parade is particularly impressive and ends in the burning of the King Carnival in a bonfire, symbolizing the burning away of Corfu's sins according to local belief. An exciting tradition related to the carnival is the enactment of Corfiot Petegoletsia, which is a street theater where actors sit on windows and exchange gossip about local scandals in the local dialect.

Ifestia Festival

On the island of Santorini, there is more than just romance to be found. Dedicating to the volcano eruption that shaped Santorini's landscape, the Ifestia festival is annually celebrated with a variety of events.

The event takes place on the 14th of September, 2024. Experiencing the magic of Santorini through its awe-inspiring fireworks show is the centerpiece of the festival. The show is carefully choreographed to tell a story of Santorini's history and myth. The enchanting blend of music and fireworks lighting up the night sky indeed creates an unforgettable memory. Combined with the reenactment of the eruption, traditional Greek dancing and music, and art exhibitions, the Ifestia festival creates a visual feast that you can't find elsewhere in the world.

Santorini

Pistachio Festival

Greece is a fertile island blessed with a Mediterranean climate, and one of the agricultural products Greece provides to the world is Pistachio. Ripen under the warm sunlight in Aegina, Greek pistachio has a more complex flavor that needs no seasoning to be the perfect snack.

On the 12-15 of September 2024, people hold the annual Pistachio festival to celebrate the harvest of pistachio. The three-day celebration is a combination of the trade fair, gastronomy, and entertainment. The trade fair is the main event of the festival, where farmers sell pistachios in a variety of flavors along with other local products. Local residents come to the fest to showcase their new recipes for pistachio cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone who enjoys delicious food.

Cretan Diet Festival

Derived from the Mediterranean palette, Greek cuisine has formed a unique culinary style. Each region in Greece has its own culinary philosophy, and the Cretan diet is in the spotlight for its nutritious character and fresh ingredients.

Every year, the Cretan Diet Festival invites you to Rethymno for a week filled with flavors, colors, and music. The festival features the Cretan Products exhibition and food and wine seminars where visitors can learn from experts about the production methods, characteristics, and healthy eating habits. Besides delicious food, there are also numerous cultural events performed by local artists waiting for you. The trip is not complete without tasting special menus in the restaurants made from fresh, local products. Mark your calendars for July 1st, 2024, and join us for a week of nutritious Ctetan meals and unforgettable experiences.

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