Koufonisia Festivals & Cultural Events

Despite its small size, Koufonisia features a number of colorful feasts that offer a unique glimpse into the local religious and cultural customs. The Koufonisia festivals are invariably accompanied by local drinks and delicacies, as well as plenty of music and dancing, and visitors are more than welcome to attend.

Religious feasts & festivals

The feast of Agios Georgios

The feast day of Agios Georgios (Saint George), the patron of the island, is observed in a very special way. Every year, a different resident named after the saint walks around the entire island, carrying the icon of Saint George in his hands. The streets he passes by are showered with rose petals, while caique boats accompany him, sailing alongside the coast. The procession eventually ends up in the Church of Agios Georgios in Chora, while beef stew and tripe soup (patsas) are served to all inhabitants and visitors. At night, the feasting goes on at the local taverns.

Note that this is a movable feast; though it is normally celebrated on April 23rd, it is moved to Easter Monday if this day happens to coincide with the Holy Week.

Easter

Easter celebration is even more interesting when it takes place in Koufonisia as, on Good Friday, the whole port of Chora is lit with flaming torches.

July 20th

On the 20th of July, the feast day of Prophet Elias, there is a big Cycladic panigyri.

August 15th

The Dormition of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on the 15th of August and is one of the most significant religious events in the entire country. On that day, the faithful travel by boat to the Church of Panagia in Kato Koufonisi to attend mass. The service is typically followed by free food. Then, while returning to Ano Koufonisi in fishing boats, people often race with one another to see who will reach the port first. The feast goes on all night to the sound of violins.

Cultural events

Fisherman’s Festival

The Fisherman’s Festival takes place on the last Saturday of May, inspired by the islanders’ long-standing seafaring tradition. The fishermen cook fish soup and other mouthwatering mezedes and serve them to visitors, to the accompaniment of Cycladic folk music and dancing.

Koufonisia Classical Music Festival

Established in 2016, the Koufonisia Classical Music Festival has evolved into one of the Cyclades’ most significant cultural events. Boasting the participation of highly acclaimed Greek and international artists, it regales audiences with a repertoire that aims to go beyond the classics, fusing the world’s musical heritage with the area’s rich cultural tradition.