Food Festivals and Celebrations in Greece and Cyprus

Held in the heart of the olive-growing region of Kalamata, this annual festival celebrates the renowned Kalamata olive, a cornerstone of Greek cuisine. Visitors can sample different varieties of olives, olive oil, and olive-based products, while also enjoying local music, dance performances, and cooking demonstrations.

The Ouzo Festival takes place on the island of Lesvos, home to some of the finest ouzo distilleries in Greece. This annual event features tastings, workshops, and guided tours of local distilleries, allowing visitors to explore the history, production, and flavors of this iconic Greek spirit.

Held each year in the coastal city of Paphos, the International Food Festival brings together local and international chefs to showcase the diversity and creativity of Cypriot cuisine. The festival features cooking demonstrations, food stalls, and live entertainment, offering visitors a chance to experience a wide array of Cypriot dishes and culinary techniques.

The Anogyra Pastelli Festival is an annual celebration of the traditional Cypriot sweet, pastelli, made from carob syrup and sesame seeds. Held in the village of Anogyra, the festival offers visitors the chance to learn about the history and production of carob, watch pastelli-making demonstrations, and sample various carob-based treats.

Apokries, the Greek Carnival season, is a lively celebration marked by feasting, music, and dancing. Special dishes and treats such as taramosalata (fish roe dip), lagana (flatbread), and kreatopita (meat pie) are enjoyed during this festive period, which culminates in a final week of masquerade parties and street parades before the onset of Lent.

Panigiri, or village festivals, are held throughout Greece in honor of a village’s patron saint or historical event. These lively celebrations bring communities together to enjoy traditional food, music, and dance. Local delicacies such as souvlaki, loukoumades (honey-soaked doughnuts), and grilled octopus are often served, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Greek flavors and local hospitality.

Kataklysmos, also known as the Festival of the Flood, is a unique Cypriot celebration with both religious and cultural significance. Held 50 days after Orthodox Easter, it commemorates the biblical story of Noah and the flood, as well as the ancient Greek festival in honor of Aphrodite and Adonis. Along the coastal cities of Cyprus, visitors can enjoy traditional Cypriot food, music, dance performances, and water-based activities.

Zivania, a traditional Cypriot spirit made from distilled grape pomace, is celebrated each year during the Zivania Festival. The event showcases the history and production of this potent spirit and offers visitors the opportunity to taste various Zivania varieties, as well as local delicacies that complement the spirit’s unique flavor.