6 Best Festivals of Greece – Greece Festival

Festivals of Greece

Greece host numerous festivals with vibrant vibe and lively atmosphere throughout the year, which is a reflection to its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Some of the famous and widely known festivals of Greece are mentioned below that highlights the diversity of the country and different celebrations that take place annually.

Epidaurus Festival of Greece:

Normally this festival takes place in the time of summer and therefore people spend their vacation enjoying this festival in summer. It held at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, features classical Greek dramas and performances. It provides a unique opportunity to experience ancient Greek theater in an authentic setting.

In the course of the Epidaurus Festival, the theater comes alive with a series of classical plays. Most of the theaters shows the works by ancient Greek playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus. The performances make the audience flabbergasted and often feature renowned actors of the Greek and sometimes international artist as well. The aim of the festival is to revive and celebrate the heritage of Greek theater. Moreover, Audience members have the opportunity to experience these timeless dramas in a setting that echoes the cultural worth of ancient Greece.

Carnival of Patras in Greece:

Another famous carnivals in Greece is known as the Carnival of Patras. It takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. The festival is mostly composed of colorful parades, elaborate costumes, music, and dances. The highlight is the Grand Parade, where locals and visitors join in the revelry.

The Carnival of Patras is the Grand Parade, a remarkable demonstration featuring themed floats and costumed participants. All doing lively performances to attract of thousands of locals and visitors from the world. Furthermore, these people gather to witness the parade that creates a festive atmosphere.

A unique concept that rarely seems in other part of the world is the concept of “Clean Monday” which is actually the end of the carnival season, and it is notable with outdoor activities. These activities includes picnics and consumption of vegetarian meals. The Carnival of Patras is a time for joyous revelry with cultural expression that reflects the community’s sense of celebration with creativity.

Greece’s Thessaloniki International Film Festival:

It happens in Thessaloniki, and showcases a diverse selection of international and Greek films. It’s a momentous occasion in the country’s cultural calendar which fascinates people with having the love of film industry. Specifically filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the globe.

Apokries (Carnival) Famous Festivals of Greece:

This famous festival of Greece is Eminent across the whole country. Apokries is a jovial season leading up to Lent. There are number of events that occurs in these days including masquerade parties, traditional music and dance, and the again the same famous “Clean Monday” celebrations. It seems like the people of Greece loves to keep their tradition alive while participating in outdoor activities and enjoy vegetarian meals.

One of the crucial proceedings during Apokries is “Tsiknopempti” or “Smoky Thursday,” which falls ten days before Clean Monday. It is a very rare event on which food is celebrated by the people as a enjoy thing on Tsiknopempti. Participants enjoy grilled meats in traditional way because with this they mark their last indulgence before the fasting period. The city is turned into aromas of barbecue with Streets and squares come alive by celebrations and music.

Ochi Day a Greece Festival:

Ochi day is celebrated on October 28^th. It memorializes Greece’s resistance during World War II. As a result Parades and military processions are a notable event on this day.  There are a number of public events held across the country to honor the history and morality of the country on this historical day.

As a short brief history: on this day of 28 October 1940, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected the ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, responding with a single word, “Ochi” which means “No”. This bold position of Greece marked its entry into the war against Axis forces.

Ochi Day is remembered as a day of national pride. It honors the Greek opposition and the sacrifices made during the war. Even the celebrations include parades are conduct in Schools and government offices. Most of the country and its businesses are closed on Ochi Day. Just to allow people to participate and revive their patriotism through these events that pay esteem to their heroes.

Panigiri Festivals Greece:

Panigiri is less like other events, because it is customarily celebrated festival normally by locals in different villages and towns across Greece. The reasons for these celebration is the dedication to the patron saint of each community. Therefore, it classically include religious rituals, customary music and dances. Along with native food with a strong sense of unity and community spirit.

Panigiri events feature a blend of pious ceremonies and cultural activities. The prominent traditional music and dance along with communal feasting can be witnessed during this festival. However, the festivals habitually take place in open-air spaces, such as village squares or church courtyards.

Rethymno Carnival of Greece:

On the island of Crete this breathtaking festival happens to be, as one of the largest carnival in Greece. It features flamboyant parades, costume games, live music, and an ecstatic atmosphere. All together attracting people from the world.

The carnival season in Rethymno kicks off with innumerable activities. But some of the very common and amazing events are the highlight is the Grand Carnival Parade. During this parade, the vicinities come alive with extravagant getups indulged in themed floats, and doing stunning performances on streets. Participants, both locals and tourists, join in the partying in making a festive atmosphere filled with hilarity and joy.

These festivals provide a wonderful opportunity to thousands of people who loves to travel and experience the diverse cultural expressions of Greece, from ancient traditions to modern celebrations.