Astypalea Festivals

Astypalea Festivals, Greece: Information about the Festivals of Astypalea, Dodecanese

Religion plays an important role in the ethos of the Astypaleans and island feasts connected with the local churches are celebrated with pomp and gaiety. The islanders have an innate sense of warmth and friendliness and never hesitate to include visitors in their celebrations.

The feast held in honor of Panagia Portaitissa is the most important celebration on the island and lasts 3 days, from 14th - 16th August.

On the feast day the whole island wears a festive look. Lambrianos (stuffed lamb) is cooked outside

The first one to succeed in getting the cockerel is declared the winner. The locals are also entertained with theater, music and dance in which local groups in traditional costumes participate in an all-night event.

The "Litany of Portaitissa and St Anthemos" is held on the 4th of September on the island of Astypalea. The icon of the Virgin Portaitissa and the remains of St Osios Anthimos (the blind builder of the church of Panagia Portaitissa) are taken on a parade around Hora (the hill-top capital town of Astypalea) and the procession culminates outside the

Traditional dances, a sumptuous feast and copious supplies of wine mark this festival.

The feast of Agios Panteleimon is celebrated on 27th July and traditional dances are presented by local groups. The feasts of Panagia Poulariani is celebrated on 8th September and Agios Dimitrios on 26th October with traditional sweets being prepared for the occasion.

Other cultural events are organized throughout the year, particularly during summer, including theatrical works, book fairs, musical evenings with

and visitors are invited to this feast.

To round off the festival, cultural and sporting events known as "Koukania" are organized. The highlights of this include a game in which blindfolded competitors have to feed each other yoghurt.

"Petino" is another interesting event in which the contestants have to reach for a cockerel tied to the end of a wooden pole smeared with oil.

Town Hall.

From there, the icons are taken to the houses of those celebrating their name day and the houses are then blessed. A grand feast and party follow, sponsored by the "giortastis", a local elected to pay the expenses for the feast.

The feast of Panagia Flevariotissa, celebrated on 2nd February is the main winter gathering of the Astypaleans.

contemporary Greek singers. In recent years, one such event named "In Astypalea for Arts and Culture" has gained prominence as a popular festival showcasing the local artistic culture of the Dodecanese islands.

A variety of cultural events aimed at promoting local culture, reviving traditions and entertaining both visitors and islanders are organized along side exhibitions of photography, book, cinema and art.

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