8 “TASTY” FESTIVALS IN GREECE IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

Greece is famous not only for its historical sights, endless beaches and numerous islands, but also for its tasty and healthy cuisine, andgastronomic tours.  If you are going to spend your holidays in Greece this August or September, do not miss the opportunity to visit the most famous gastronomic festivals.  You can not only try traditional products of each region, but also have fun like a real Greek with music and dancing.

OUZO FESTIVAL , AUGUST, LESVOS ISLAND

The island of Lesbos, famous, throughout Greece, for its traditional alcoholic drink – “ouzo”, anisette. None of the Greek feasts on the islands passes without this drink. Ouzo is great with seafood and fish dishes, but do not forget to dilute it with water and put some ice. Basically, the festival of Ouzo is arranged on weekends in Plomari area of Lesvos, where you can try not only the traditional ouzo and meze but also listen to island folk music.

FESTIVAL OF THE THICK-SKINNED TOMATO AND ONION, AUGUST 6, PYLOS MESSENIAS, PELOPONNESE

If you will stay in the region of Pylos in August, you can taste some of the rarest varieties of tomatoes. Women of the cultural association in the region make dozens of dishes, which are based on tomatoes and onion. Some of the most famous dishes are tomato balls and sweet tomatoes. The thick-skinned tomato has a special shape with irregular pleats, while its weight may reach up to one and a half kilo.

GRAVIERA CHEESE FESTIVAL, AUGUST 18, ANOPOLI, CRETE

If you ever find yourself in Anopoli area of Crete, be sure to try the local graviera and on August 15, you can get on a real cheese festival, which takes place at the central square of the village. Graviera cheese is accompanied by traditional dishes, such as boiled vegetables, pilaf, the sfakiano stew, and honey. Try this cheese while listening to the sounds of the Cretan Lyre, played by Cretan musicians.

PASTELI FESTIVAL, AUGUST 18, AMORGOS

Pasteli is greek sesame snaps, very tasty and healthy sweets. In August on the island of Amorgos, you will have the opportunity to see with your own eyes how to produce this famous pasteli. Smells from the boiler with honey, sesame and sugar fly throughout the central square of the main city of Chora. Pasteli is served on lemon leaves and offered to all guests of the island, to try. These sweets are also usually the main treats at weddings and christenings.

FIG FESTIVAL, AUGUST 18, POLILOFOS MESSENIAS

The locals called fig a “medieval treasure”.  To honor it, therefore, in the end of the summer, they prepare a whole feast. On the shelves you can find figs or all kinds of sweets made with figs.   You can also find fresh fig, dried out by local producers, that deliver to the whole Greece.

GOAT FESTIVAL, AUGUST 26, AMORGOS

In Amorgos, the locals celebrate the day of St. Paraskevi, where they serve a roast goat near the main church and treat everyone who goes there.  Inside the huge saucepan, along with the meat, they add potatoes, garlic, onion and many local seasonings.  Every year, approximately 2,500 people come to the church to have fun and eat tasty dishes.

SARDINE FESTIVAL, AUGUST 25, PREVEZA

The main port of Preveza overflows with the smell of coal and sardines from early noon.  August 25 is celebrating the day of the sardine – the national trademark of the region.  Grilled sardines are served with local tomatoes, homemade bread, lemon and local wine.  The festival attracts thousands of guests and it is considered one of the biggest festivals in northwestern Greece.

POTATO FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER, NAXOS

Last September, Naxos became world famous, thanks to the fact that they fried 625,000 kilograms of potatoes and hit the Guinness Book of Records.  To break the record, over 2 tons of potatoes have been peeled, 800 liters of olive oil and 22 traditional truffles were used.  About 8,000 tons of potatoes are produced on the island each year and 200 families are engaged in this production.  As a rule, this festival takes place every first Saturday of the month.

While staying in Greece, do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the delicious festivals in the country and have fun, like a real Greek.