Greece’s open air traditional festivals-known as Panegyri-a-, have been experiencing an unprecedented revival in recent years. Once seen as relics of the past, these age-old celebrations held in honor of patron saints are now captivating the country’s Gen Z and exciting travelers to Greek islands. But how is this hype for a tradition once believed to be outdated explained?
Ancient Roots
The Panegyri (folk festival) is a deeply rooted cultural institution, with its origins in classical antiquity. The word comes from the pan (all) and ageiro (to gather), meaning a place where people come together. Usually held in the village squares or outside the church of the local saint being honoured, these festivals are marked by live folk orchestras and participants dancing hand-in-hand in circles to the timeless rhythms of Nisiotika, Kalamatianos, and Tsamikos. Beyond a source of entertainment, these social gatherings strengthen community bonds. Dance, in particular, carries special meaning, as people move together in circles, symbolizing a democratic and forward-looking community. Everyone is equal-regardless of their economic or social background, preserving cultural traditions and the collective memory.
From Village Life to Urban Returnees
Like Greek society itself, the village festival has been transformed by broader social changes over time. In the early part of the 20th century, they were sustained almost entirely by local residents, at a time when villages were still bustling with life still unaffected by the urban migration of the years to come. By the 1950s, 60s, and even the 70s, the vitality of the festivals increasingly depended on returnees from major urban centers flocking to their hometowns for the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 15—one of the most significant religious events of the Greek summer. Central squares would overflow with people, celebrating for nights on end in an atmosphere of exuberant togetherness.
A Tradition in Decline
By the end of the twentieth century, the festivals seemed to be fading, with younger generations in Greece having largely turned their backs on traditional festivities. The regulars were mostly middle-aged and the elderly, along with families who seized the opportunity to gather the entire clan—locals and returnees alike—around tables big enough for fifty people.
George P., who grew up in a small provincial town in Aetolia-Acarnania, recalls:
“I didn’t want to go to the festivals in the villages around Vonitsa, where I come from. Most of us, in the 90s, were into more modern music, influenced by the foreign sounds of our time. We considered village festivals outdated—entertainment for our parents. How could someone who listened to Rock and New Wave enjoy themselves at a festival dancing to folk music?” “That would’ve felt like betrayal,” George adds with a laugh.
The Youth Rediscover the Panegyri
Yet what was seemingly considered destined to decline is being rediscovered by Greece’s youth. The crowded village squares filled with youthful faces eager to let loose to the sound of folk music is proof of this revival. Evi T., a 22-year-old university student from Thessaloniki, speaking to TO BHMA International Edition, shares her thoughts : “The festivals are part of our cultural heritage, somewhere that older and younger generations can connect, a place to meet people of your own age.” Evi explains that you can enjoy yourself without the overwhelming pressure of nightclubs. “The dancing goes on continuously, non-stop, until the early hours of the following morning. Plus they’re much more affordable,” she points out.
Panygiri in the picturesque port of Frikes, Ithaca.
The Music Connection
Of course for those familiar with the dynamics of the evolving Greek music scene in recent years, this turn toward traditional entertainment is no surprise. The rise in popularity of artists such as Marina Satti and Klavdia—both of whom recently represented Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest and have woven strong traditional elements into their music—suggests that this embrace of tradition is far from accidental.
A Nationwide Revival
The resurgence is visible nationwide, from Epirus and the Peloponnese to Crete, the Cyclades, and the Ionian Islands. Municipal officials from the island of Ikaria in the Aegean and the famed island of Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea, confirm this trend. Speaking to TO BHMA, they emphasize the festivals’ role in upholding cultural identity while boosting local economies.
People sit at tables set out for the Panegyri in the village of Frikes, Ithaca. / Municipality of Ithaca.
Ikaria’s Living Tradition
Nikolaos Lardas, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Ikaria noted that the island’s festivals are a living expression of collective memory, folk traditions, and social cohesion. They are not just celebrations; they are meeting places connecting generations and passing on values such as equality, hospitality, solidarity, and self-organization. “Through dance, music, food, and participation, cultural heritage is transmitted in an experiential, open, and inclusive way,” he stresses.
Hundreds gather at a Panegyri on Ikaria.
The festivals also contribute to attracting both domestic and international tourism, he adds. They are also a magnet for visitors eager for authentic cultural immersion, with some tour packages now including festival participation as part of the experience, Lardas notes.
Ithaca’s Dual Spirit
Ithaka, according to the island’s Deputy Mayor Vaggelis Michalatos has also embrced the dual appeal of the Panegyria. “Ithaca comes alive every summer through its festivals, which are a key part of the island’s culture, attracting both locals and visitors,” says Michalatos.
He also points out the unique character of these festivals as they incorporate foreign styles, such as tango, waltz, and foxtrot, with traditional folk music. “Together, these elements create a vibrant and dynamic dance atmosphere where participants can enjoy both traditional and foreign rhythms,” he notes.
The festivals also enhance the island’s tourism product by extending the tourist season, offering reasons to visit beyond the peak summer months. “They actively support the local economy, evident in the annual increase of the revenues of the local cultural associations that organize these events,” Michalatos highlights.
More Than Nostalgia
Across Greece, the resurgence of the Panegyria speaks to something deeper than nostalgia. These gatherings are proving to be spaces where communities reconnect, traditions are reimagined, and a new generation rediscovers its musical roots.
