Santorini Festivals & Cultural Events

There is an old saying that Santorini has more churches than houses and more wine than water.
Regarding the religious feasts of Santorini, locals tend to organize them with relish, due to their love for tradition and faith. Usually, preparations start days before the feast day. Those include cooking and the decoration of the church. Every village has its patron saint celebrated with various ceremonies and church services. On Easter and the feast day of the Holy Virgin, the rite is very touching; locals light candles and a procession takes place around the settlements of Santorini.
You will find below information about cultural events and festivals in Santorini:

Cultural events

During the summer season, Santorini hosts compelling cultural events. The most important festivals are:

• Ifestia Festival
The Ifestia Festival (translating into the Greek Volcano festival) is organized annually in Santorini every August. It features a representation of the volcanic eruption with fireworks and a series of stimulating events, concerts, and dance performances.

• International Music Festival
The International Music Festival welcomes artists from the international music scene to perform for two weeks in Fira during September.

For more events, have a look at our Agenda.

Religious feasts & festivals

• Easter
Easter in Santorini is celebrated with solemn glory. In particular, the atmosphere in the village of Pyrgos is captivating, with candlelight spread on the streets on Holy Friday.

• May 29th
The feast day of Agia Theodosia is celebrated in Akrotiri village.

• July 1st
The feast day of Agioi Anargyroi is celebrated in Megalochori village.

• July 20th
The feast day of Prophet Ilias is celebrated in Fira and Imerovigli villages.

• July 25th
The feast day of Agia Anni is celebrated in Vothonos village.

• July 27th
The feast day of Agios Panteleimon is celebrated in Vourvoulos village.

• August 4th
The feast day of the Holy Seven Children is celebrated in Finikia village.

• August 6th
The feast day of the Transfiguration of Christ is celebrated in Pyrgos, Akrotiri, and Fira villages.

• August 15th
The feast day of the Diocese of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in Akrotiri, Firostefani, and most villages of Santorini. The biggest celebration in Santorini for the feast day of the Holy Virgin is held in the church of Panagia Episkopi. Preparations start one day before, with traditional food and local wine being distributed to the people.

• August 29th
The feast day of Agios Ioannis is celebrated in Monolithos village.

• August 31st
The feast day of Agia Zoni is celebrated in Kamari village.

• September 14th
The feast day of the Holy Cross is celebrated in Perissa village, in the Holy cross church.

• September 20th
The feast day of Agios Efstathios is celebrated in Kontohori village.

• September 24th
The feast day of Mary Myrtidiotissa is celebrated in Kamari village.

• October 20th
On 20th October the feast day of Agios Gerasimos is celebrated in Firostefani village.

• October 22nd
The feast day of Agios Averkios, the patron of wine is celebrated in Emporio village.

• October 26th
The feast day of Agios Dimitrios is celebrated in Messaria village.

• November 1st
The feast day of Agioi Anargyroi is celebrated in Messaria village.

• November 11th
The feast day of Agios Minas is celebrated in Fira village in the church of Agios Minas.

• December 6th
The feast day of Agios Nikolaos is celebrated in the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos in Thira village.

• December 9th
The feast day of Agia Anni is celebrated in Vothonos village.

• December 12th
The feast day of Agios Spyridon is celebrated in the villages of Pyrgos, Emporio, and Oia.

• December 13th
The feast day of Agios Efstratios is celebrated in Vourvoulos village.

• December 15th
The feast day of Agios Eleftherios is celebrated in Kontohori village.