Ikaria Festivals & Cultural Events

The experience of a local fair in Ikaria is unforgettable. The island is famous throughout the Greek islands, for night-long festivals, known as panigyria in Greek, where locals celebrate the saints and other religious holidays. The glorious celebrations that take place once a year are attended by hundreds of locals and visitors in the surrounding countryside with traditional food, live music, and dancing that goes on till the next morning.

Religious feasts & festivals

August 15th
The feast of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on the 15th of August. Major celebrations are held in every corner of this island but the biggest of them is in Christos Rachon and the abandoned village of Lagada. Traditional food and Ikarian wine are served accompanied by live music. Feasts with Ikarian dances take place in Monokambi, Karavostamo, and Gialistari.

July 20th
On the 20th of July, Ikarians celebrate the feast of Profitis Ilias at Agios Kirikos. Food and local wine are served accompanied by traditional music.

August 6th
On the 6th of August, there is a celebration in the village of Xristos Rahon. Free roast and stew lamb is served, accompanied by local wine and traditional music. The feast lasts until the following day.

Cultural events

Icarus Festival
The Icarus Festival presents various artists and groups whose music can be an inspiration for people. The festival also focuses on other forms of art, like painting exhibitions, dance lessons, and cinema. It is usually held in July.

Chess Festival
Every summer, an International Chess Festival takes place in Agios Kyrikos, the capital of Ikaria, with tournaments of all ages and categories.