Greece Events

This annual three-day rock festival is staged over a long weekend at the Terra Vibe stadium near Malakassa (37 km north of Athens city centre). There are two main stages - line ups have included international names such The Stranglers, Gogol Bordello and The Prodigy.

The idea of walking on embers began in these parts in 1250, supposedly when holy images were miraculously rescued by local people from a burning church. Another theory attributes the practice to a pre-Christian, Dionysian cult. Certainly from early times, a tradition of firewalking developed here. The modern version has become something of a media and tourist circus in several villages, though probably seen to best advantage in Langadhas. The day begins with holy images being displayed, and selecting a sheep to be sacrificed. Firewalkers limber up with rhythmic dancing to acquire a trance-like state, before dashing over the glowing embers. Many of them clasp icons of Saint Constantine and Saint Helen whilst performing the ritual. Afterwards, feasting continues until the early hours.

Staged annually since 1953, this is one of the most gruelling races on the World Rally Championship schedule. The course alters slightly each year, following the rough, twisty, rocky mountain roads outside Athens. It takes place over three days and attracts competitors from all over the world.

Open-air theatre, opera, classical music and dance are staged at various sites in Athens, with the top venue being the 2nd-century BC Odeon of Herodes Atticus, carved into the rocks of the southern slope of the Acropolis. Line-ups have included the Sadler’s Wells dance company from London and the Bolshoi Opera from Moscow. In addition, ancient Greek dramas are staged at Epidaurus Ancient Theatre, a two-hour drive southwest of Athens.

Founded to celebrate the summer solstice (Jun 21), European Music Day sees free concerts at open-air venues in various cities throughout Europe. In Greece it has been extended to last five days. The main events take place in Athens, where past performers include the Scissor Sisters and Transglobal Underground. but there are also concerts in 33 other Greek towns, including Thessaloniki, Rhodes Town (Rhodes), and Hania and Heraklion (Crete).

In August, the night of the full moon sees various archaeological sites throughout the country staying open until 1:30am with free admission. Regular participants include the Acropolis in Athens, as well as places such as Ancient Olympia and Ancient Corinth on the Peloponnese, Delos archaeological site (on the tiny uninhabited island close to Mykonos), and Edessa archaeological site in the Greek region of Macedonia. Concerts are also scheduled at some venues.

Celebrating the Virgin Mary, this is the second biggest religious holiday after Easter throughout Greece. On the island of Tinos, thousands of pilgrims flock to Church of the Megalohari, home to an icon said to perform miracles. It is also the ‘name day’ for anyone called Maria, Panagiotis, Panagiota or Despina.

Southeast Europe’s major film festival attracts new and emerging film makers from all over the Balkans and beyond. This 10-day event also features retrospectives and special screenings. Illustrious figures such as Francis Ford Coppola and Faye Dunaway have sat on the festival’s jury.

Southeast Europe’s major film festival attracts new and emerging film makers from all over the Balkans and beyond. This 10-day event also features retrospectives and special screenings. Illustrious figures such as Francis Ford Coppola and Faye Dunaway have sat on the festival’s jury.

Easter is the most important religious festival of the year for the Orthodox Church. Good Friday sees candle-lit holy processions departing from churches in most towns and villages. On the Saturday evening, a solemn church service is held, concluding with the midnight resurrection - church bells ring, candles are lit and a big feast of dyed red Easter eggs and magaritsa soup ensues. Easter Sunday is given over to a massive family lunch of whole spit-roast lamb and lots of wine.