Ikaria is famous throughout Greece and far beyond its borders for its authentic traditional dance festivals. When and where what is celebrated: I have made a list of the dates and villages with all Panigyria for the whole year for you. Panigyria take place on the name days of the respective village saints. Many festivals are postponed every year, just like Easter. That’s why I can only list the standard festivals here. In reality, there are many more festivals taking place. Especially in the summer months almost every other day. Reason enough to celebrate and dance along.

Unfortunately, I can only announce all spontaneous celebrations on Facebook at short notice.

The Panigyria are still an important part of everyday life, living customs, and in contrast to many other islands, not tourist folklore. They have important social meaning and are not commercial. All generations celebrate together, often four generations hug each other and dance. The festivals remain the center of Ikaria’s cultural events to this day. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely experience such a festival with live music!

You have to celebrate the festivals as they come!

There are compelling factors (a death in the village, for example) why a festival can be postponed or canceled altogether. Many holidays are also so-called moving holidays and depend on the Orthodox Easter date every year, so they fall differently every year.

All data is of course without guarantee and I am always grateful for corrections!

I’m looking forward to your comment!

Have you ever been to a Greek festival and admired the exuberant dancing crowd? Did you just venture in, or did you just watch because you didn’t dare and thought deep down: this must look horrible on me? Write us your experiences in the comments…