Festivals in Greece You Can’t Miss: Cultural, Religious, and Local Traditions

Festivals in Greece are more than just occasions; they are colourful manifestations of the nation’s spirit. These festivities, which are steeped in mythology, tradition, and a love of life, provide a genuine window into Greek society outside of its historic sites and sunny beaches.

Every festival uniquely highlights Greece’s heart and legacy, from sacred rites to vibrant carnivals, music, art, and dramatic performances.

Come along as we explore the most fascinating celebrations that bring Greece to life throughout the year.

Festival Name	Date / Period	Brief
Epiphany	January 6	Celebrates the baptism of Christ with water rituals.
Apokries Carnival	February – March	A lively pre-Lenten celebration with costumes and feasts.
The Carnival of Corfu	February – March (Apokries)	A vibrant, Venetian-inspired carnival with parades.
Clean Monday	March (start of Lent)	Marks the beginning of Lent with outdoor feasts and kite-flying.
Orthodox Easter	April – May (varies yearly)	Greece’s most important religious celebration with grand traditions.
Cretan Diet Festival	July	Showcases Cretan cuisine and cultural heritage.
Athens & Epidaurus Festival	June – August	A premier arts festival with an ancient theatre and live performances.
Rockwave Festival	June – July	Greece’s biggest rock and alternative music festival.
Rethymno Renaissance Festival	Late July – Early August	Celebrates the island’s Venetian past with music, theatre, and dance.
Panagia Festival	August 15	Honoring the Virgin Mary with island-wide celebrations.
Volcano Festival	August (Santorini)	Fireworks light up Santorini’s caldera in a fiery spectacle.
Pistachio Festival	September (Aegina)	A nutty celebration featuring food, crafts, and music.
Anchialos Wine Festival	August	A week of wine tasting, local food, and Greek dances.
Armata Festival	September (Spetses)	Commemorates a naval battle with fireworks and reenactments.
Ohi Day	October 28	Patriotic parades remembering Greece’s WWII defiance.
The Athens Marathon	Early November	A race tracing the historic route from Marathon to Athens.
Thessaloniki Film Festival	November	An acclaimed showcase of international and Greek cinema.

If you are travelling to Greece then these are the top upcoming festivals for tourists in Greece.

Table of Content

1. Epiphany
2. Apokries Carnival
3. The Carnival of Corfu
4. Clean Monday
5. Orthodox Easter
6. Cretan Diet Festival
7. Athens & Epidaurus Festival
8. Rockwave Festival
9. Rethymno Renaissance Festival
10. Panagia Festival
11. Volcano Festival
12. Pistachio Festival
13. Anchialos Wine Festival
14. Armata Festival
15. Ohi Day
16. The Athens Marathon
17. Thessaloniki Film Festival
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1. Epiphany

Epiphany Festival

Every year, the ancient port of Piraeus, Athens, magnificently commemorates this holy day. Young guys jump into the chilly water to rescue a crucifix that a local priest had thrown into the sea. Small towns and islands all around Greece recite this rite. Tourists are encouraged to observe and learn from this unique event, which is done for locals by locals.

Location	Piraeus (Athens), Thessaloniki, Hydra, Rhodes, Corfu, and coastal villages
Date & Time	January 6th, Morning (around 10:00 AM after church service)
Highlights	Blessing of the Waters Cross thrown into the sea Divers compete to retrieve it Church processions and choirs
Specialties	Vasilopita (New Year’s Cake) Seafood dishes Lenten-style meals
Pro Tip	Arrive early for a good spot by the harbor, dress warmly, and bring a camera!

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2. Apokries Carnival

Apokries Carnival

The Greek Carnival season, known as Apokries, is marked with parades, costume parties, and customary feasts. Before the fasting month of Lent, it is a time of celebration and gladness. Playful traditions like dressing up in extravagant costumes and indulging in unique funfair fare are part of the celebrations.

Location	Celebrated all over Greece, major festivities in Patras, Athens, Thessaloniki, Xanthi, and Rethymno
Date & Time	Varies each year (3 weeks before Orthodox Lent) Main celebrations peak on the final weekend (Sunday before Clean Monday)
Highlights	Colorful parades and street parties Masquerade balls and costume contests Satirical performances and folk traditions The Burning of the Carnival King in some towns
Specialties	Kreatini (Meat Sunday): grilled meat feasts Tsiknopempti: BBQ Thursday Lagana bread and Lenten sweets toward the end
Pro Tip	Patras is the place to go for the wildest celebration, but Xanthi and Rethymno offer more traditional vibes. Bring your best costume and expect to dance until dawn!

Must Read: Unlock the Secrets of Greece in February

3. The Carnival of Corfu

The Carnival of Corfu

The Carnival in Corfu is similar to the well-known Carnival in Venice. It is thought to have begun when the Venetians controlled the island in the 13th century.

Typically, the celebration occurs in February or March. Locals dress up in masks and traditional Venetian garb for the island’s many colorful parades and feasts.

Location	Corfu Town, Corfu Island, especially around Liston Square and Spianada
Date & Time	Carnival season runs through February to early March (3 weeks before Orthodox Lent)
Highlights	Venetian-style masquerade parades with masks and baroque costumes Satirical floats and comic skits Cultural performances and concerts
Specialties	Traditional Corfiot pastries like mandolato, pasteli, and loukoumades
Pro Tip	Wear a Venetian mask to blend in with the local vibe. Get a front-row spot at Spianada Square for the final parade and bonfire, it’s a magical, photogenic moment.

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4. Clean Monday

Clean Monday

According to the Orthodox calendar, Lent begins on Clean Monday. It’s a calm and contemplative day that also seems joyous, which makes it the ideal illustration of how Greek religious holidays incorporate outdoor customs like kite flying, eating, and community building.

Location	Celebrated nationwide, especially in villages, hills, and parks, where locals gather for open-air feasts and kite flying
Date & Time	Monday after the last Sunday of Carnival (date varies by Orthodox calendar)
Highlights	Kite flying in open spaces Outdoor picnics and family gatherings Traditional folk music and dancing in many villages
Specialties	Lagana bread (unleavened flatbread) Taramosalata (fish roe dip), dolmadakia, grilled octopus, olives, and halva
Pro Tip	For an authentic experience, head to spots like Philopappos Hill in Athens or rural villages. Bring a kite, or buy one locally, and join in the peaceful yet festive start to Lent.

5. Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Easter

In Greece, Orthodox Easter is the holiest religious holiday. Large family feasts, pyrotechnics, and powerful spiritual rites are also part of the celebration. Greek heritage is exemplified by the midnight services and processions that light up villages and towns.

Location	Celebrated across all of Greece, with especially vibrant customs in Corfu, Hydra, Kalymnos, and Crete
Date & Time	Varies by Orthodox calendar Key events from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday midnight
Highlights	Midnight Resurrection Service with candle lighting “Christos Anesti” chant and fireworks at midnight Processions of the Epitaphios (Holy Friday) In Corfu: pot-throwing custom on Holy Saturday
Specialties	Magiritsa soup after midnight service Tsoureki (sweet Easter bread) Lamb on the spit, red-dyed eggs, and mezze feasts on Easter Sunday
Pro Tip	Bring a white candle to the Resurrection service and protect the flame on your way home; it’s said to bless the house. For dramatic traditions, Corfu is a top spot.

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6. Cretan Diet Festival

Cretan Diet Festival

The rich culinary legacy of Crete is honoured during the Cretan Diet Festival. It offers courses on regional ingredients and recipes, traditional Cretan food tastings, and culinary demonstrations.

Location	Rethymno, Crete, in the city’s Municipal Garden
Date & Time	July 1–7, annually
Highlights	Cooking demonstrations by top chefs Tasting booths for local olive oil, cheeses, herbs, wines, and sweets Workshops on traditional recipes and healthy eating
Specialties	Dakos, kalitsounia, snails, mizithra cheese, herbal teas, and Cretan wine & raki
Pro Tip	Go in the early evening, when it’s cooler, and bring cash for stalls. You can also attend a cooking workshop to learn authentic Cretan recipes that you can take home!

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7. Athens & Epidaurus Festival

Athens & Epidaurus Festival

A staple of Greek art festivals, this summer’s event includes ancient tragedies, modern theatre, and live music. It is held in historic outdoor theatres and is a wonderful celebration of performance and history.

Location	Athens (mainly at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus) & Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Peloponnese
Date & Time	June to August annual events are scheduled across summer evenings
Highlights	Ancient Greek dramas and comedies in iconic venues Ballet, opera, and concerts by international and Greek artists Modern theatre and art performances
Specialties	Enjoy local mezze and wine before or after shows; many performances are held near tavernas and open-air cafés
Pro Tip	For Athens shows, arrive early to explore the Acropolis by sunset before performances begin!

8. Rockwave Festival

Rockwave Festival

Rockwave is one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in Greece. With a massive rock fan base and international headliners, it’s a lively event that draws both young people and tourists to the area around Athens, making it a must-visit on the Greek festival calendar.

Location	TerraVibe Park, Malakasa a lush, forested venue approximately 30 minutes north of Athens.
Date & Time	Held annually during June and July.
Highlights	The festival features a diverse lineup spanning rock, metal, alternative, and pop genres. Notable past performers include Metallica, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, and The Black Keys.
Specialties	An array of Greek and international street food, craft beers, and local wines is available.
Pro Tip	Accessing TerraVibe Park can be challenging due to limited parking. It’s advisable to use the official festival shuttle buses departing from Athens’ Larissis Station or Thissio Metro Station.

9. Rethymno Renaissance Festival

Rethymno Renaissance Festival

With plays, music, and traditional attire, this Cretan treasure honours the island’s Renaissance past. As one of the most enchanting cultural festivals in Greece, it beautifully fuses cuisine, music, and history in a distinctive environment.

Location	Rethymno, Crete, Greece primarily held at the Fortezza Fortress and the Erofili Theatre.
Date & Time	Late August to early September annually
Highlights	Theatrical performances of works by Cretan playwrights, Shakespeare, Molière, and Goldoni Re-enactments of historical events, including scenes from the Commedia dell’arte, in the old town streets.
Specialties	Cretan cuisine is available at local tavernas and food stalls. Traditional Cretan dishes such as moussaka, dakos, and kalitsounia.
Pro Tip	Accommodation: Book early, as the festival attracts numerous visitors. Transportation: Utilize local buses or taxis to reach the festival venues.

10. Panagia Festival

Panagia Festival

One of the most exquisite religious festivals in Greece, this celebration is both spiritual and joyous, observed on several islands. Overnight dancing, island feasts, and candlelit processions make it a truly memorable event.

Location	Panagia, Tinos Island, Greece
Date & Time	August 15th, celebrated all day long
Highlights	Religious procession to the Panagia Evangelistria Church Traditional Greek dances Spectacular fireworks display at night
Specialties	Loukoum (Greek sweet) Tinos’ local wine Moussaka (Greek casserole)
Pro Tip	Arrive early to get a good spot for the procession, as the crowds can get quite large. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island!

11. Volcano Festival

Volcano Festival

Beautiful Santorini is experiencing more than just romance. Every September, the Volcano Festival honors the volcano that erupted in 1646 BC, forming Santorini’s unique scenery.

The Volcano Festival features live music and a stunning fireworks display complete with sound and light elements simulating lava flow and explosions.

Location	Santorini Island, Greece (Specifically around the Volcano)
Date & Time	Late August, typically on a weekend (exact dates may vary)
Highlights	Fireworks over the caldera at night Reenactment of the volcanic eruption Live traditional Greek music Boat tours around the caldera to see the volcano
Specialties	Fava (Santorini’s split pea dip) Tomato keftedes (Santorini’s famous tomato fritters) Santorini wine (Assyrtiko variety)
Pro Tip	Wear comfortable footwear for walking on volcanic terrain. Plan to book your boat tour early, as they fill up fast. The fireworks are best viewed from the cliffs of Oia!

12. Pistachio Festival

Pistachio Festival

Pistachios are essential in Aegina, where the island is covered in pistachio fields and the local economy thrives on the sale of these green gems. Naturally, Aegina celebrates its harvest each September with one of the most unique food festivals in Greece.

Location	Aegina Island, Greece
Date & Time	Late September, typically over a weekend
Highlights	Pistachio-themed events and contests Tasting and buying pistachio-based products Cooking demonstrations featuring pistachios
Specialties	Pistachio-based sweets (e.g., pistachio baklava) Pistachio ice cream Lemonade with pistachio
Pro Tip	Don’t miss the chance to visit local pistachio farms for fresh, top-quality nuts. The island gets crowded during the festival, so it’s best to arrive early for parking and good seating at events.

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13. Anchialos Wine Festival

Anchialos Wine Festival

Attending the Anhiolos Wine Festival in Thessaloniki is one of the most interesting things to do in Greece in September. You may sample a variety of mouthwatering wines made by the locals throughout the ten-day celebration.

Location	Nea Anchialos, Thessaly, Greece (Wine Festival Grounds)
Date & Time	Late August to early September, typically 4-5 days
Highlights	Complimentary wine tastings (local wines like Roditis & Savatiano) Traditional Greek music & dance Cultural exhibitions (local crafts, history)
Specialties	Local wines (Roditis, Savatiano) Tsipouro (Greek pomace brandy) Greek cuisine (Moussaka, souvlaki, baklava)
Pro Tip	Arrive early for parking and good spots for performances Consider public transport from Volos Explore nearby attractions like black sand beaches and the ancient Pyrasos citadel.

14. Armata Festival

Armata Festival

A very popular maritime history festival organized in Spetses during the first week of June, the Armara Festival stands out among the traditional festivals of Greece. Commemorating the battle in the strait between Spetses and Kosta during the revolution of 1821, the festival culminates around the 8th with a spectacular parade of ships and boats lining the sea.

Location	Spetses Island, Saronic Gulf, Greece (Main port of Spetses)
Date & Time	Annually, during the second week of September (the Main event on Saturday evening closest to September 8)
Highlights	Naval battle reenactment (Greek vs Ottoman fleet) Burning of the Ottoman flagship Spectacular fireworks display Cultural exhibitions and artistic events
Specialties	Traditional Greek dishes (Moussaka, souvlaki, baklava) Spetses local delicacies (Loukoum, Fistiki – pistachios)
Pro Tip	Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing Use local transportation or walk (the island is car-free)

15. Ohi Day

Ohi Day

Ohi Day is a patriotic highlight among famous celebrations in Greece, commemorating Greece’s refusal to surrender during WWII. With parades and national pride on display, it’s both a historical and cultural celebration.

Location	Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities worldwide
Date & Time	October 28, annually; Celebrations throughout the day
Highlights	Military and student parades Public and private buildings adorned with Greek flags Ceremonial events and speeches
Specialties	Traditional Greek dishes (e.g., moussaka, souvlaki, baklava) Local pastries and sweets Greek coffee and beverages
Pro Tip	Arrive early to secure a good spot for parades Public transportation is recommended due to limited parking

16. The Athens Marathon

The Athens Marathon

The Athens Marathon is inspired by the ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides. Participants run the historic route from Marathon to Athens, reliving the legendary run that announced the Greek victory over the Persians.

Location	Athens, Greece (Starting in Marathon, finishing at Panathenaic Stadium)
Date & Time	Sunday, November 9, 2025
Highlights	Historic 42.195 km route retracing Pheidippides’ legendary run Finishes at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series
Specialties	Traditional Greek cuisine is available along the route and at the finish line Local beverages like Greek coffee and tsipouro
Pro Tip	Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot at the stadium Use public transportation due to limited parking near the stadium

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17. Thessaloniki Film Festival

Thessaloniki Film Festival

One of the most important art festivals in Greece, this international event shines a spotlight on both Greek and global cinema. From indie screenings to glamorous red carpets, it’s a film lover’s dream and a key highlight of Thessaloniki’s vibrant cultural calendar.

Location	Thessaloniki, Greece (Various venues across the city)
Date & Time	October 30 – November 9, 2025
Highlights	Premieres of international and Greek films Retrospectives and tributes to renowned filmmakers Workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions
Specialties	Traditional Greek cuisine is available at festival venues Local Thessalonian specialties such as Bougatsa and Souvlaki
Pro Tip	Arrive early to secure tickets for popular screenings Check the official festival website for updates on the