Rhodes Festivals & Cultural Events

As Rhodes is a large island immensely popular with visitors, many cultural celebrations take place, particularly in the summer.

Religious feasts & festivals

The best occasions to observe the local customs present themselves in the various religious feasts and festivals, which are always accompanied by local age-old recipes, lively bazaars, as well as plenty of traditional music and dancing.

• April 23rd
On April 23rd, the locals celebrate the feast of Agios Georgios in Pastida.

• June 29th
On June 29th, a festival in honor of Saint Paul takes place on the small bay above Lindos.

• July 6th
On the 6th of July, locals celebrate the feast of Agia Kyriaki in Kalathos.

• August 15th
On the 15th of August, there is a celebration for the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Many churches around the island celebrate with a Holy Mass in the morning and a panigiri in the village square in the evening. Particularly renowned are the festivities in Ialyssos and Kremasti.

Cultural events

Of major interest are the annual festivals of Rhodes which involve concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and other important happenings which boast the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of visitors and locals alike.

• Medieval Rose Festival
Founded in 2005, the Medieval Rose Festival takes place annually in late May to celebrate the times when the island was ruled by the Knights Hospitaller. Lasting for several days, it includes street parades, jousting tournaments, fencing demonstrations, archery contests, music and dance performances, reenactments of major historical events like the Siege of Rhodes, workshops, and much more.

• Rhodes and South Aegean International Jazz Festival
Taking place inside the medieval Palace of the Grand Magister, the Rhodes and South Aegean International Jazz Festival takes place in early June, attracting talented musicians from all over the world.

• Medieval Festival at the Castle of Kritinia
This is a two-day medieval festival that takes place at the Castle of Kritinia in late June, featuring medieval games and dances, acrobatics performances, as well as plenty of food and drinks.