Festivals in Paxos and Antipaxos Islands

1. Paxos Music Festival

• When: Summer (July - September)

• Where: Various locations across Paxos

• Description: A celebration of classical and contemporary music featuring performances by international and local artists. Concerts are held in beautiful outdoor settings, historic venues, and charming village squares.

2. Olive Oil Festival

• When: November

• Where: Gaios

• Description: Celebrates the olive harvest and production of fresh olive oil. Activities include olive picking, demonstrations of traditional oil extraction methods, and tastings of various olive oil-based dishes.

3. Panagia Festival (Feast of the Assumption)

• When: August 15th

• Where: Across Paxos

• Description: A religious and cultural celebration marking the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Festivities include church services, processions, music, dancing, and traditional feasts in villages like Gaios, Loggos, and Lakka.

4. Agios Haralambos Festival

• When: February 10th

• Where: Gaios

• Description: This festival honors the patron saint of Gaios, Agios Haralambos. The day includes church services, a procession, and communal feasting with local foods and music.

5. Easter Celebrations

• When: Variable (April)

• Where: Throughout Paxos

• Description: Easter is celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring church services, processions, traditional music, and dances. Highlights include the Midnight Resurrection Service and communal feasts with lamb and other local specialties.

6. Antipaxos Wine Festival

• When: Summer (July)

• Where: Antipaxos

• Description: A festival celebrating the island’s viticulture. Activities include wine tastings, vineyard tours, and traditional music and dance performances.

7. Carnival (Apokries)

• When: February/March (before Lent)

• Where: Gaios and other villages

• Description: Celebrated with colorful parades, masquerades, music, and dancing. The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of Lent with joyous festivities.

8. St. John’s Festival (Feast of Agios Ioannis)

• When: June 24th

• Where: Across Paxos

• Description: Celebrations include bonfires, music, and dancing in honor of St. John. It is a day of community gatherings and traditional festivities.

9. Traditional Fishing Festival

• When: August

• Where: Lakka

• Description: This festival celebrates the island's fishing heritage. Activities include fishing demonstrations, a fish market, and a feast featuring freshly caught seafood.

10. Varkarola Festival

• When: August

• Where: Gaios

• Description: A maritime festival with decorated boats parading in the harbor, accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and fireworks.

11. Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

• When: June 29th

• Where: Gaios

• Description: A religious celebration honoring Saints Peter and Paul, featuring church services, processions, and traditional feasts.

These festivals provide a rich cultural experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions and community spirit of Paxos and Antipaxos.