The Best Kefalonia Festivals and Events You Need to Experience

Kefalonia is an amazing destination with a lot to offer tourists. From festivals and events that celebrate Greek culture, food and wine, to quaint villages and breathtaking sea views, there is something for everyone in Kefalonia. Whether you are looking for an exciting day out or some relaxation in the sun, we have a list of the best festivals and events for you

The Kefalonia Festivals and Events you Need to Experience are the best festivals and events you can experience in the region of Kefalonia. From a variety of cultural festivities to sporting events, Kefalonia is rich with a diverse number of activities. You’ll have no problem finding something for everyone, and you won’t be disappointed

Kefalonia, one of Greece’s Ionian Islands, is known for its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and intriguing history. visitors will also find a variety of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Here are some of the top picks.

What are the best festivals and events in Kefalonia?

The Carnival of Argostoli

The Carnival of Argostoli is one of the best festivals in Kefalonia. It is a three-day event that takes place in February or March. The festival includes a parade, live music, and food.

The Orthodox Easter Celebration

Kefalonian as well as the rest of Greece celebrate Easter with great enthusiasm. The island comes alive with processions, decorated homes, and traditional food.

Orthodox Easter is the most important religious holiday in the Orthodox Christian faith. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a time of great joy and celebration for Orthodox Christians. The date of Orthodox Easter can vary from year to year, but it is always celebrated on a Sunday between April 4 and May 8.

Snake Festival – 14/15th Aug

The Snake Festival is a religious festival that takes place in mid-August on the Greek island of Kefalonia. The Church of the Virgin Mary in Markopoulo, a mountainside village, is famous for its icon of the Virgin Mary which is said to have miraculous healing powers. During the festival, a large wooden snake is carried through the streets and people gather from all over the island to see it. The festival culminates with a mass at the church and a procession of the snake through the streets. The Snake Festival is a popular event on the island and attracts visitors from all over Greece. It is a time of great celebration and feasting, with traditional music and dancing. The festival is an important part of the island’s cultural heritage and is a unique event. Not for the squeamish!

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary – 15th August

On the 15th of August, the island as well as the rest of Greece celebrates the Virgin Mary with a large festival. There is a procession to the church of Agios Georgios in Markopoulo, followed by a traditional feast.

Saint Gerasimos Feast Day – 16th Aug and 20th Oct

The feast of Saint Gerasimos is celebrated every year on August 16 & October 20 on the island of Kefalonia, Greece. Saint Gerasimos was a monk who lived in the 16th century and is the patron saint of the island. The miraculous healing powers of Agios Gerasimos were renowned for curing those suffering from mental ailments. His miracles, which were well-known throughout the nation, prompted the evacuation of his relics, which were discovered to be completely incorrupt. His remains are now preserved in a double-glass reliquary that is positioned over the saint’s tomb. The feast is a religious and cultural event that includes a procession, mass, and traditional food and music.

The small village of Saint Gerasimos is home to this unique festival that takes place every August and October. People from the Island and all over Greece come to Kefalonia and visit the Kefalonia Agios Gerasimos Monastery of St Gerasimos to celebrate the feast and attend church services.

Robola Wine Festival – August

The Robola Wine Festival is a beloved annual celebration held in the picturesque village of Fragata, close to the historic Monastery of Saint Gerasimos on the island of Kefalonia. This event honours the distinctive Robola grape, a white wine variety native to the island. Visitors can enjoy tastings of Robola wine from various local producers, alongside traditional Greek food, music, and dance performances, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

The Robola Wine Festival 2024 will take place on August 3rd and 4th, promising two days of delightful experiences and cultural immersion. Don’t miss this opportunity to savour the best of Kefalonian wine and traditions.

Kefalonia is home to many wineries, and the Kefalonia Wine Festival celebrates all these wines. This annual event on the Greek island of Kefalonia is a tribute to the island’s rich wine-making heritage, featuring a range of activities and events for visitors to enjoy. During the festival, attendees can participate in wine tastings, tours of the island’s vineyards, and opportunities to purchase local wine. Additionally, there are various food and drink stalls, live music, and entertainment. The Kefalonia Wine Festival is a fantastic opportunity to experience the island’s culture and traditions, learn about wine production, and sample some of the delicious local wines.

Assos Barcarolle Music Festival – 24th Aug

The Assos Barcarolle Music Festival, part of the vibrant Kefalonia Festival and Events 2024 lineup, is set to take place on August 24th. This beloved annual event in the charming village of Assos on Kefalonia island features an enchanting blend of classical music and traditional Ionian serenades. Performers sing from beautifully decorated Gondola like boats, illuminating the evening with lighted torches and surrounded by smaller boats, creating a magical and unique atmosphere​.

The festival is a highlight among Kefalonia’s cultural celebrations, drawing both locals and visitors to experience the island’s rich musical heritage in a stunning seaside setting. The Barcarolle Festival’s combination of music, picturesque scenery, and traditional Greek hospitality makes it an event not to be missed.

Some of the songs are the traditional rhythmic melodies of the Ionian islands that people used to sing to their loved ones. The Assos Barcarolle Music Festival is a great opportunity to experience the best of Greek music and culture and to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kefalonia. If you’re planning a trip to Greece this August, be sure to check out the Assos Barcarolle Music Festival!

International Music Festival in Argostoli – end of Aug

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, an island in the Ionian Sea. Every summer, the town hosts an international music festival, which attracts musicians and music lovers from all over the world. The festival, which takes place at the end of August, features a wide range of genres, from classical to contemporary, and there are also workshops and masterclasses offered by some of the world’s leading musicians. If you’re a music fan, this is definitely an event not to be missed!

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