You are using the Free Edition of AeginaAPP. For extensive information on Aegina & all Argosaronic Islands, GO PRIME with our comprehensive Greek Travel App featuring the full editions of Aegina and 25 more Greek islands & Athens.
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
As on all Greek islands, the traditional religious festivals of Aegina are accompanied by delicious food, local wine, dancing and they are open to all visitors. Below find the religious festivals in date order:
JUNE:
The Feast of Agios Ioannis Rizikaris
At the feast of Agios Ioannis Rizikaris in Vathy of Aegina revives the custom of Kleidonas. Preparations begin from the day before, while on the day of the feast of St. John, Mayday hoops are set on fire , people jump over bonfires, the girls reveal their fortune-telling jugs and sing songs of love or teasing. The songs are considered an omen for the person that owns the corresponding ‘rizikari’.
JULY 17th:
Agia Marina celebrates.
AUGUST 15th
On August 15th is the largest panigiri (festival) on Aegina and throughout Greece dedicated to Mother Mary, and the celebration is held at the Monastery of Chryssoleontissa. Established in the 17th century, this monastery is located in the centre of the island.
SEPTEMBER 3rd and NOVEMBER the 9th:
The most famous celebration on the island takes place in honour of Agios Nektarios, the patron saint of sailors. It celebrates twice a year, on November 9th and September 3rd. Marking the entrance to Aegina harbour you will notice the whitewashed church of Agios Nektarios which dates back to the 14th century. Its construction was with funding from local sailors.
SEPTEMBER 7th
The panagiri of Agios Sostis takes place in Perdika.
DECEMBER 17th.
The patron saint of the island, Saint Dionysius, is celebrated in the Cathedral of the city.
CULTURAL EVENTS
JULY:
Theatre Festival
The atmospheric courtyard of the Folklore Museum of Aegina hosts a series of shows for all tastes. A festival that aspires to offer good theatrical evenings to the residents, as well as visitors and holidaymakers of Aegina.
Tsak Bam Festival
The Tsak Bam Festival held at Kavouropetrais is a contemporary art festival that takes place outside the city centres and city walls. The Tsak Bam Festival supports the idea of “art for all”, encourages artistic education, embraces every form of expression and creativity.
AUGUST
Aegina International Music Festival
The International Music Festival of Aegina was first held in 2006 with the internationally renowned pianist Dora Bakopoulou as its artistic director. Every year, it hosts some of the most renowned artists of classical and jazz music, choirs and bands aiming to promote new talents and to inspire visitors and locals alike. It is usually held in August and lasts for two weeks
Where: The Festival is staged on the forecourt of “Sotiras Church”;
accompanied by the sound of waves lapping at Avra beach under the ancient acropolis of Kolona; and at other captivating spots on the island, including the Temple of Aphaia, the Capralos Museum and the mountain village of Pachia Rachi.
For further information visit http://www.aeginamusicfestival.gr/
Aegina Film Festival
Held at Kollatos Farm, screenings of Greek films and tributes to Greek directors, the festival has achieved a vast and wide range of audience giving Aegina an alternative view of cinema experience.
Visit the Aegean film Festival site: https://www.aegeanff.com/
SEPTEMBER
Pistachio Festival – Fistiki Fest
The Pistachio Festival is held at the end of each harvesting season and draws large crowds to the island, luring foodies, musicians and artists. The star of the show is the island’s famous Protected Designation of Origin pistachio nut. Small but flavourful, it’s known among chefs and foodies as one of the most stand-out products of Greece. On the second weekend in September, once the pistachios have been gathered and roasted (either with salt and lemon, or unsalted for the health-conscious), visitors will be able to sample and purchase pistachio products, from nut butters and ice cream to pesto and liqueur from the island’s producers, which all set up kiosks at a trade fair along the port promenade. The grand celebration lasts four days and is packed with events and happenings The main events are organised in Aegina Town, but there are also many events in the villages of Aegina island. A large trade market with local products is set up along the port promenade of Aegina Town, but the commercial apsect of the festival is only a part of this great event.
Aegina gets an opportunity to display all of its wealth and power, its history, its beauty and above all, its culture. Dozens of events, from piano and violin recitals around the Temple of Aphaia, lectures on environmental issues and ceramics exhibitions at the Kolona archaeological museum, to concerts put on by young people and choral and theatrical performances, the entire island, including Perkida, Souvala and Agia Marina, come alive to host this exciting happening. For children, there are creative activities every day – drawing, crafts, dramatic workshops and even cooking and baking lessons. History lovers can take a tour of the Kapodistrian buildings or medieval Paleochora with the 365 churches; and gourmands can try original dishes in the gastronomy competition. There is something for everyone in this whirlwind of laughter and joy, singing and dancing.
One of the Fistiki Fest’s highlights is the Artists’ Route (more than 100 artists take part each year to display their work in unconventional spaces like bars or grocery shops, in the fish market and coffee shops, so that a stroll through the town feels like a visit to an art gallery).
The huge parade that kicks off the event is meticulously planned with inspired imagination, and features stilt walkers, swarms of children and adults, and improvised floats rolling down the waterfront to reenact highlights of the pistachio’s history on the island.
Go to www.aeginamusicfestival.gr for more information.