National Geographic Traveller (UK)
KEY FESTIVALS IN THE GREEK ISLANDS
February
In February, the Skyros Carnival arrives for a vigorous celebration of the coming of Lent and the end of winter, the highlights of which include music in the streets and a parade of locals dressed in goatskins and bells, or as Skyrian brides.
March/April
In Greece, Easter is celebrated particularly fervently, with fireworks taking a starring role; Kalymnos, where even dynamite is not unheard of, has the most ear-splitting parties, while in Corfu Town householders hurl jugs of water off their balconies to dispel evil and welcome the birth of spring.
June
Hydra celebrates native son Miaoulis, the hero of the Greek War of Independence, with the Miaoulia Festival, which has concerts, art exhibits and talks. It culminates in a dramatic re-enactment of the sinking of an Ottoman ship on 24 June in the harbour with an enormous firework display.
July
Celebrating music and the arts, the International Festival of the Aegean returns in early July in the neo-classical opera house in Syros, featuring chamber music and opera performances. Meanwhile, in the Cyclades, Amorgos holds the Psimeni Raki Festival towards the end of the month in Katapola, celebrating the sweet alcoholic drink with dancers in traditional costumes, fireworks and live music.
August
The Assumption of the Virgin, on 15 August, is the climax of the Greek summer. There are paniyiri saint’s day festivals on most islands; Ikaria does them best. On the third weekend, Kefalonia’s Robola Wine Festival in Fragata and Valsamata has food, wine and dancing until late.
September
On the second weekend of September, Spetses hosts the Armata, with traditional sailing ships and fireworks celebrating the island’s naval victory over the Ottomans in 1822. By midSeptember, Aegina’s Pistachio Fair has chefs, folk dancing and food stands dedicated to the nut. And on Santorini, there are re-enactments of the volcanic explosion that shaped the island during the Ifaisteia Volcano Festival, with a firework display.
October
Rhodes hosts the Medieval Rose Festival in autumn, usually in October, in honour of its name in Greek (Rodos means ‘rose’) and its decades ruled by the Knights of St John. There’s jousting, medieval-inspired music, and historical re-enactments of the Siege of Rhodes in 1522.