The August festivals happening on the Greek islands are truly a celebration of life and tradition. The Greek islands are filled with colorful festivals (called paniyiri) that offer visitors an authentic experience full of music, dance, flavors, and unique experiences. The festivals are not only religious events but also opportunities for locals to honor their patron saints and share their traditions with visitors.
Each island offers unique flavors and customs, making each festival a unique experience. In every corner of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, locals and visitors alike can join together to celebrate cultural heritage through music, dance, and culinary delights. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience authentic Greece, as the festivals are a bridge between the past and the present, bringing together people from different places and cultures.
August Festivals in Greece You Shouldn’t Miss
So, you have decided that this August you’ll be dancing until the morning at one of the festivals on the Greek islands! But you don’t know yet which one to choose? Don’t worry, here you can find some of the festivals that you won’t want to miss.
Choose one of the following festivals and let the dancing begin:
1. Panagia Festival in Lagadas, Ikaria
Ikaria is the queen of August festivities. The most popular festival in Ikaria is Panagia in Lagadas, which takes place on August 15. Every year there is participation from both locals and tourists from Greece and abroad, creating a celebration full of life and joy. The festival starts at noon with religious ceremonies and continues until the early hours of the next day. Attendees enjoy rich local delicacies, such as meats and traditional pies, accompanied by plenty of local wine that flows throughout the festival.
Music is the core of the festival, with the violin and the lute setting the rhythm for the traditional Ikarian dances. The most famous of them, of course, is the Ikariotikos, which brings together dancers of all ages. The atmosphere is enchanting, with a strong sense of community and hospitality that makes every visitor feel part of the local culture. The islanders, with their warm welcome and generosity, create an unforgettable experience for all those who participate in this special celebration.
How do I get to Ikaria?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Ikaria every day. The trip duration is 6 – 7 hours and ferry ticket prices start from €58.50.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of seat, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
2. Feast of Panagia Xylopanagia, Serifos
The festival of Panagia Xylopanagia in Serifos is one of the most important and anticipated events on the island. It is celebrated on August 15, on the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in the village of Panagia. The village is home to the oldest church in Serifos, making this festival particularly important. The name ‘Holzopanagia’ has historical roots, referring to an old custom where men would come to a symbolic confrontation with wooden sticks to conquer the most beautiful woman.
At the festival of Panagia in Serifos, tradition has it that a couple planning to get married during the year starts dancing around the big olive tree in the church. The celebration lasts for three days, so prepare with comfortable shoes, patience, and a good mood to fully enjoy the experience!
How do I get to Serifos?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Serifos every day. The trip duration is 2 – 4 hours and ferry ticket prices start from €37.50.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of seat, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
3. Panagia Chozoviotissa Festival, Amorgos
The festival of Panagia Hozoviotissa in Amorgos is one of the most important religious and cultural events on the island. Panagia Chozoviotissa, the patron saint of Amorgos, is celebrated on November 21, but in the summer, specifically in August, one of the biggest festivals is organized in her honor. The Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa is located on a steep cliff, about 300 meters above the sea, offering an impressive view of the Aegean Sea.
The festival begins with the Divine Liturgy and the procession of the icon of the Virgin Mary. The celebrations continue in the monastery square, where locals and visitors enjoy traditional Amorgian dishes, such as xidato and patatato, accompanied by local wine and raki. The atmosphere is filled with traditional music and dances that last until late at night, offering an unforgettable experience of hospitality and cultural heritage.
How do I get to Amorgos?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Amorgos every day. The trip duration is 6 – 8 hours and ferry ticket prices start from €51.50.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of seat, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
4. Panagia Festival at Korthi, Andros
The festival of Panagia in the Korthi town of Andros is one of the most lively and beloved events on the island. The celebration takes place on August 15, the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and gathers a large number of believers from all over the island and beyond. Korthi in Andros, with its picturesque harbor and authentic Cycladic atmosphere, becomes the center of joy and tradition during this festival.
The day begins with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the church of Panagia, followed by the procession of the icon through the village streets. After the religious ceremonies, the festivities move to the main square, where visitors can enjoy local traditional dishes such as scalpsunia and furtalia. Music and dances play a dominant role, with local artists playing violin and lute, inviting everyone to join in the dances that go on late into the night.
How do I get to Andros?
Initially, you will have to drive to the port of Rafina. You can find routes from Rafina to Andros every day and the trip duration is 1 – 2 hours. Ferry ticket prices start from €25.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of seat, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
5. Panagia Festival in Menetes, Karpathos
When we refer to the festivals, the festivals of Karpathos cannot be absent from the discussion. For lovers of tradition, Karpathos offers unique customs, colorful costumes, and dances that last until the early hours of the morning. Karpathos is famous for its lively and authentic festivals, and one of the most important is the festival of Panagia in Menetes, which takes place on August 15. The village of Menetes, with its rich tradition and unique architecture, becomes the focal point of the festivities, attracting crowds of people from all over the island and beyond.
The celebration begins with the Divine Liturgy in the church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, followed by the procession of the icon through the streets of the village. After the religious part, the events continue with traditional music, dances, and rich food. The locals offer local dishes such as macaroons with shitaka and kappama, a traditional goat dish. The feast lasts until the early hours of the morning, with residents and visitors dancing to the rhythms of the lyre and the lute, creating a magical atmosphere full of vitality and tradition.
How do I get to Karpathos?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Karpathos every day. The trip duration is 13 – 20 hours and ferry ticket prices start from €58.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of seat, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
6. Feast of Panagia Portaitissa, Astypalaia
Astypalaia, with its particular beauty, comes alive every August with the celebration of Panagia Portaitissa, one of the most special festivals on the island. The festival in Astypalaia takes place on 15 August and the central square of the village is filled with people who have the opportunity to taste traditional dishes such as fava and goat, while the sounds of violins and lutes create a magical atmosphere. The party continues until the early hours of the morning with dances and songs, making the visitor feel part of the local community.
Special mention should be made of the traditional games and customs that make this festival unique. One of these is ‘yogurting’, where participants feed each other yogurt with their eyes closed, creating moments of laughter and joy. ‘Rooster’ is also popular, with young people trying to catch a fake rooster tied to a basket at the end of a pole. The egg fights complete the tradition, offering fun and laughter. As expected, food and drink flow abundantly throughout the celebration, enhancing the atmosphere of euphoria and hospitality.
How do I get to Astypalaea?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Astypalaia every day. The trip duration is 8 – 10 hours and ferry ticket prices start from €56.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of seat, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
Book your tickets using Ferryscanner and let the dancing begin!
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the many festivals of August around the beautiful islands of Greece. Travel with comfort and confidence by booking your ferry tickets with the help of Ferryscanner. Discover the convenience and reliability of ferry travel, and indulge in the magic of the Greek summer. Traditional dances, live music, and delicious delicacies await you, and Ferryscanner is the ideal ally to help you get there. Let the dancing begin!