Events and festivals in Greece are celebrated to honor religious traditions, performing arts and national pride. It is only befitting that the country that gave birth to the drama and the modern philosophy celebrates the legacy of its geniuses such as Aristotle, Plato and Homer through performing arts and plays.
The list of festivals and events in Greece is exhaustive, here we have mentioned a few that are more popular than the others.
- Easter:
Easter is the most important festival in the Greek Orthodox religion. Emphasis is placed more on Resurrection than on Crucification and so it is a joyous occasion. If you happen to be in Athens during this time, you’ll spot a trail of candles coming down from the church atop Lykavittos Hill.
- Greek Carnival:
The Greek Carnival “Apokrias” is celebrated with much fanfare during February and March, during the three week period before the beginning of Lent. There are regional variations but fancy dress, feasting, traditional dancing and general merrymaking prevail. The most interesting carnival takes place on the island of Skyros where men transform themselves into bizarre 'half-man, half-beast' creatures by donning goat-skin masks and hairy jackets.
- The Hellenic Festival:
Held every year during the summer months, the Hellenic Festival is in fact the conglomeration of various other festivals including the Athens Festival, the Epidaurus Festival and "Musical July." The Athens Festival events are held in the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre with performances including modern and ancient theatre, ballet, opera, jazz and classical music, dances and symphonic music by national and international artists. Performances of ancient Greek drama are also held at the world famous Theatre of Epidavros.
- Thessaloniki International Film Festival:
Thessaloniki plays host to two major festivals, the International Film Festival and the International Trade Fair. The Film Festival, held in November, is second only to the Cannes Film Festival.
- Independence Day:
The Greeks celebrate their Independence Day on March 25 with parades and dancing. Independence Day also coincides with the Feast of Annunciation so it is also a religious festival.
- Clean Monday:
Another important day is the Clean Monday, which is held every year on first day of Lent. Families gather together for picnics and flying kites.
- International Jazz & Blues Festival:
The festival, held in June, attracts various national and international artists. It is held in the theatre of Lycabettus.
- Anastenaria:
This fire-walking ritual takes place on 21 May in the village of Langadas, near Thessaloniki. Villagers clutching icons dance barefoot on burning charcoal.
- International Festival of Patra:
The festival, which takes place from July to September, is much appreciated for drama, theatre and classical music performances.
- Rockwave Festival:
Held in Athens, the event is a treat for the music lovers who can enjoy live performances by international bands and musicians.
- The Sani Festival:
A yearly celebration, which began in 1993, attracts nationally and internationally acclaimed artists at the Sani Resort. Music concerts, dance performances and painting exhibitions are held in different venues around the Sani Resort from July to September every year.
- Icarus Festival for Dialogue between Cultures:
Held during the months of July and August, this International Music Festival is organized by the municipalities of Ikaria, Evdelos, Agios Kyrikos, Raches.