Ios Festivals & Cultural Events

Ios is best-known for the plethora of its churches which adorn and surround the island. Locals preserve their religious character and traditional customs, given that once a year, the island honors all the saints that the churches and monasteries are dedicated to, with religious feasts and local celebrations. Some of the notable feasts which take place in Ios are:

Religious feasts & festivals

August 15th
The feast day of the Virgin Mary, on the 15th of August which is one of the most important celebrations in Greece. On that particular day, there is a procession of the icon of the Virgin Mary in Chora. Later on, a traditional feast is held with music, food, and dancing till the late hours.

August 29th
The feast of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) on the 29th of August in Kalamos and Psathi during which a meat soup and the traditional bean soup are served, accompanied with traditional music, wine, and dances.

Cultural events

Synonymous with the wild parties and the lively atmosphere, Ios is home to some great cultural events which take place in the summer period.

Homeria Festival
The Homeria Festival is held in honor of the Greek epic poet Homer, who wrote the famous epics of Odyssey and Iliad. In the area of Plakotos is Homer's grave, where it is said that he left his last breath. Locals are proud to organize this festival during which a plethora of interesting events take place like athletic games, art exhibitions, and creative workshops. Concerts and theatrical plays are performed in the stone built theatre of Odysseas Elytis with a great view to Mylopotas.