The island of Paros is world renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, watersports activities and vivid nightlife scene. But when visiting the island another thing that you can’t miss is its cultural heritage. Get ready to take part in some of the most exciting events and festivals in Paros that truly capture the island’s essence.
The Park Festival
This is one of the major festivals of the island, taking place between June and August on the island of Paros. The festival features a great number of cultural and athletic events as well as activations of environmental interest.
The Kleidonas Festival
During the festival there is a bonfire lit to draw away the evil spirits according to tradition. The fire is used to burn the Mayday wreaths and children often jump over the fire. Everyone attending the festival will have the opportunity to enjoy some local music and dances, traditional delicacies, and plenty of wine. The festival takes place on June 23rdin the villages of Naoussa, Prodromos, and Aliki.
Fish Festival
Taking place on the first Sunday of July, the fish festival is a true highlight with local bands, dances and delicacies taking place in Naoussa.
Agia Marina Feast
The Agia Marina feast is celebrated with food, wine, and dancing on July 16th & 17th in the village of Kostos.
Agia Anna Feast
Dedicated to Saint Anna, this feast is celebrated in Parikia on July the 24th.
Panagia Ekatontapyliani
This is one of the largest and most renowned festivals on the island of Paros as it is dedicated to Virgin Mary and celebrated at the iconic church of Panagia Ekantotapyliani. The festival begins with a litany of the icon and continues until the first morning hours with traditional music, local dances, lots of food and wine.
The Karavolas Festival
Named after “karavoles” the local snails, considered to be a great delicacy, the Karavolas festival takes place in the village of Lefkes, the old capital of the island on the first Saturday after the feast of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. Visitors can enjoy a great variety of traditional food, wine, music, and dances.
The Festival of the Pirates
The festival of the Pirates takes place every 23rd of August in the village of Naoussa and constitutes a revival of a pirate attack, celebrating the victory of the locals over the pirates. It is a festival filled with fireworks representing the pirate fires and it is followed by a great feast and traditional dancing.
Agios Fanourios Feast
Celebrated on the 27th of August in Ampelas village, this feast is dedicated to Saint Fanourios who according to the folklore traditions will help you recover things that have been lost.
Feast of Agios Ioannis Thelogos
This is another traditional feast celebrated on August 29 in the villages of Drios and Lefkes.
Festival of Trata
This is a celebration dedicated to the local fishing boat, also known as “trata” and it is celebrated with seafood, wine and the local spirit also known as souma in the first days of September in Parikia.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
This is another religious festival celebrated on September 14th in the villages of Aigeria and Aliki.
There is a great number of Paros events and happenings worth attending especially during the summer. From art exhibitions to theatrical performances, music, dance, and cultural exhibitions you name it. While on the island make sure to take part in some amazing Paros events that interest you and get a true taste of the island’s spirit.
