Patmos Festivals & Cultural Events

Patmos is a peaceful island with a rich religious history. Thus, on the feast days of various saints, there are significant religious festivals, which afford a unique glimpse into the authentic cultural life of Patmos. These events are usually accompanied by local delicacies, drinking, and traditional dancing, and visitors are more than welcome to attend. Moreover, the island provides the perfect setting for a couple of international festivals, sure to delight art lovers during their stay in Patmos.

Religious feasts & festivals

The best occasions to observe the local customs present themselves in the various religious feasts and festivals, which are always accompanied by local age-old recipes, lively bazaars, as well as plenty of traditional music and dancing.

• Feast of Saint John the Theologian
The feast of Saint John the Theologian is honored with glorious celebrations in Chora, on May 8th and September 26th.

• July 26th
On the eve of the feast day of Agios Panteleimon, there is a lovely celebration on the tiny islet of Chiliomodi. Caique boats to Chiliomodi depart from the port of Skala early in the evening, and the merry-making lasts till the early hours of the morning, with plenty of music and dancing.

• August 5th
On this day, colorful panigiria take place in the area of Kato Kambos, celebrating the Transfiguration of Jesus.

• August 15th
On August 15th, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Patmos celebrates with a big feast at the Monastery of Panagia Geranou, one of the oldest monuments on the island, which stands on a location of great natural beauty.

• August 23rd
A vibrant feast in honor of the Virgin Mary takes place at the seaside central square of the small Arki islet, with the local taverns serving their most delicious specialties and the revelry going on till the early hours of the morning.

• September 24th
On the 24th of September, locals celebrate the feast of Agia Thecla. The church dedicated to her lies atop a small islet across Agriolivadi. Locals arrive there in the early morning hours to enjoy the ceremony and the feast that follows.

Cultural events

Of major interest are the annual festivals of Rhodes which involve concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and other important happenings which boast the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of visitors and locals alike.

• Patmos Musical Festival
The Patmos Music Festival consists of two major events, the Chamber Music Festival and the historic Sacred Music Festival, a major cultural event related to, but not limited to religious music. Bringing together not only Greek but also international artists and world-famous choirs, it is held at various venues, including the amphitheater under the Cave of the Apocalypse, one of the most prominent symbols of Christianity.

• Aegean Film Festival
The Aegean Film Festival is organized annually towards the end of July, establishing a fruitful dialogue between filmmakers, actors, directors, and film critics from every part of the world.