Kefalonia is an island that thrives with festivals. Sing, dance and be part of the traditional festivities that take place every year during summer in Kefalonia, especially in August. It is a great way to get to know the local customs and traditions, feel part of the local community while celebrating and having the time of your lives!
The Robola Feast is one of the most anticipated festivals on the island. It is held every August in two villages, Fragata and Valsamata, and the celebrations last two days. The theme of the feast is the Robola wine, the most popular traditional product of Kefalonia. Everyone can take part in the celebrations, where you can drink for free as much Robola wine as you can handle, dance to the traditional rhythms, sing and eat with your heart. Robola festivals for 2014 will take place in Valsamata Village on 9 and 10 August and in Fragata Village during the 3rd week of August.
Varkaroles is a very popular celebration around the island. It is held every year in the mid August and will travel your senses to a nostalgic, yet festive mood! The local residents and the visitors that want to join in, embark on boats and set sail into the sea for a few miles out of the harbour. There they start singing traditional songs, while back at the harbour people dance and celebrate.
Kantades are serenades and this peculiar kind of melodic folk love songs, a purely unique musical part of the culture of the Ionian Islands and especially of Kefalonia. Its name derives from the Latin verb cantare (sing) and the first kantada is said to be created in Lixouri. They play a major role at the lives of the locals, even the way people speak sounds like singing. Elderly people with melodic voices can be found in Lithostroto singing in groups, entertaining the people surrounding them just because they love to do so.
Saristra Festival: Before the devastating earthquake in 1953, the old village of Vlahata was located near Sami. The settlement was then abandoned by its inhabitants and now rests half ruined among the trees that grow between the wrecked walls. From summer 2012, almost 60 years later,”Saristra production team”, under the creative guidance of “Aigialos” cultural association, revives the “old” village annually, by organizing the Saristra festival on its remains, with performances, live bands and video art screenings on the ruined walls. Saristra festival 2014 is organized for 3rd year in a row and will be held on August 8, 9, 10.
