From Robola to serenades: The ultimate guide to the festivals of Kefalonia and Ithaca

Kefalonia and Ithaca are islands that live and breathe through their traditions, with festivals being an integral part of their cultural identity. In summer, in every corner of the islands, villages large and small are flooded with music, dances and local flavours, in celebrations that link the present with the past.

Festivals are not only religious events. They are living institutions that keep the customs, traditions and tastes of the islands unchanged in time. The events are often accompanied by local products, such as the famous Robola, the Kefalonian wine that is the star of the summer festivities. For the visitor, the festivals are a unique opportunity to feel the authentic hospitality, taste the local cuisine and dance to the sounds of traditional music alongside the locals.

Those who plan to visit Kefalonia and Ithaca during the summer months should plan their holidays around local festivals, as they offer the opportunity for an experiential experience that goes beyond simple tourism.

Let's take a closer look at the most important ones.

June

• 24 June - Feast of St. John Lampadaris, Fokata: One of the most characteristic local customs, where music, traditional food and dances commemorate the feast of St. John. This year again the festival attracted a large crowd and marked the beginning of the summer events on the island.
• 29 June - Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Valeriano: A lively feast with traditional sounds and hospitality from Kefalonia.
• 30 June - Feast of the Holy Apostles, Frikes, Ithaca: Ithaca welcomes the summer with a festival on the beaches of Afales and Marmaka, full of music and local delicacies.

July

• 1-2 July - Feast of Panagia Diotissa, Lourdata & Dia Island: It combines the religious element with beautiful seaside locations, offering a celebration in nature.
• 8 July - Feast of Agios Prokopios, Kampitsata: Traditional food and dances dominate the event, which commemorates the memory of the Saint.
• 11 July - Feast of Agia Euphemia, Agia Euphemia: Important local festival with strong participation of the inhabitants.
• 17 July - Feast of Agia Marina, Exogi Ithaca & Michalitsata Lixouri: A double celebration in two parts of the islands, with music, dance and local delicacies.
• 19-20 July - Feast of Prophet Elijah, Razata: It lasts two days and is one of the biggest celebrations in July, with traditional dances and rich food.
• 20 July - Feast of Prophet Elias in Kioni Ithaca & Agrapidies Fragatas: Smaller in size, but of great importance to local communities.
• 25 July - Festivals of Agia Eupraxia (Aphraia Tzannato), Agia Anna (Lakithra) and Agia Paraskevi in Faraklata, Lepeda, Xerizomenos, Tsifata: The day is celebrated with festivals in many villages, showing the strong devotional tradition of the island.
• 26 July - Feasts of Agia Paraskevi in Asprogerakas & Athera: Local in character and with strong local community involvement.
• 27 July - Feasts of St. Panteleimon in Thinias & Poulata: A celebration with dances, music and traditional flavours.
• End of July - Wine Festival Perachori (Ithaca), Festival of Divarata, Watermelon Festival Agios Dimitrios of Paliki, Festival of Agios Eleftherios in Aenos: The wine festival in Perachori is one of the most characteristic of the Ionian Sea, highlighting the importance of local production. The watermelon festival in Agios Dimitrios gives a more relaxed, summer dimension to the events.

August

August is the month when Kefalonia and Ithaca come alive more than ever, with dozens of festivals filling up every night.

• 5-6 August - Feast of the Saviour at Stavros in Ithaca: One of the biggest religious festivals of Ithaca, with special importance for the inhabitants and an atmosphere of deep emotion. The events culminate with music, dance and traditional flavours.
• August 6 - Feast of the Saviour in Grizata, Poros and Daugata of Kefalonia: Three simultaneous festivals commemorating the great feast of the Transfiguration. The fair in Poros is special as it extends all the way to the gorge, offering an impressive natural scene.
• 12 August - Oak and Mustard Festival, Troyanata: The beginning of the harvest is celebrated and visitors taste fresh mustard, accompanied by local music.
• 14-15 August - Fifteenth of August festivals in Simotata, Anogi Ithaca, Platrithia Ithaca, Chionata, Markopoulo, Pastra: August Fifteenth in Kefalonia is a highlight of the summer, with numerous festivals combining deep religious faith and wild revelry. The Panagia Fidousa in Markopoulo stands out, where according to tradition, small snakes appear on the image of the Virgin Mary.
• 16 August - Feast of St. Gerasimos, Omala: The biggest festival of Kefalonia in honor of the patron saint of the island, Saint Gerasimos. A large number of believers flock to the monastery to worship, followed by a festival with traditional music and dances at the Polgi of Valsamata.
• 17-18 August - Robola Fair, Fragata: One of the most emblematic celebrations dedicated to the local Robola wine. With live music, dancing until dawn and plenty of Robola, this festival attracts a large number of visitors every year.
• 24 August - Feast of Agios Dionysios, Livadi of Paliki: Fair in an idyllic landscape next to the wetland of Livadi.
• 28 August - Feast of Saint John the Baptist, Karavomilos: The lake of Karavomilos creates a unique atmosphere for the traditional celebration.
• End of August - Farmers' Festival in Pylaros, Creatopita Festival in Tzanata: Local products and authentic flavours are at the heart of the experience.
• August - Varkarola Argostoli and Assos: Barcarola is perhaps the most atmospheric musical event of the summer. Boats full of musicians and choirs float around Argostoli and Assos singing Ionian serenades under the starry sky.

September

• 7 September - Panagia Lamia Festival, Dilinata: One of the most picturesque autumn festivals with a strong local character.
• 24 September - Feast of Panagia Drapaniotissa, Drapano: It completes the great summer celebrations of the island, keeping alive the local customs.

The do's for guests

• Visit the festivals with comfortable shoes and anticipation of long hours of dancing.
• Try local products such as Robola, moustalevria, local pies and festival sweets.
• Be sure to check local timetables, especially for events in remote villages.
• If you want the authentic experience, go for smaller festivals in villages, where the atmosphere is warmer and friendlier.
• Don't miss the barcarola, especially in Assos and Argostoli, for an unforgettable evening of music on the water.

The festivals in Kefalonia and Ithaca are more than just celebrations. They are a living link with the past, a bridge that unites generations and an invitation for every visitor to experience the authentic culture of the islands.

If you find yourself there, just enjoy them!