Skopelos Festivals & Cultural Events

Skopelos is known not only for its outstanding beauty but also for its religious character, with many churches and monasteries scattered around the island. On the saints’ feast days, the people of Skopelos hold colorful celebrations which are invariably accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Besides, a series of other festivals are organized by local associations, keeping the island's cultural heritage alive and passing it on from generation to generation.

Religious feasts & festivals

• February 25th
A popular feast is organized annually in honor of Agios Riginos (Saint Reginos), the patron saint of Skopelos.

• August 6th
On this day, people celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Monastery of Metamorfosi.

• August 15th
The feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is the largest celebration in Skopelos. On August 15th, there is a great festival in the picturesque village of Glossa, which is accompanied by plenty of food and wine, as well as folk music and dancing.

• December 4th
The feast of Agia Varvara is celebrated on December 4th.

Cultural events

• Grape Festival
The Wine Festival is organized by the Cultural Society of Glossa around the middle of September. In this festival, the locals tread on grapes and visitors are offered free food and wine, while the dancing lasts till the early hours of the morning.

• Skopelos International Film Festival for Youth
The Skopelos International Film Festival for Youth (SIFFY) takes place in July and August in Skopelos Town with the aim of introducing children to the art of film-making, inspiring them to think outside the box. A team of acclaimed international artists leads workshops and film screenings.

• Rebetiko Festival
Dedicated to the rebetika, the urban underground songs of the 1930s, this festival has been taking place annually since 2018 on the premises of the quaint church Panagitsa tou Pyrgou (Our Lady of the Castle), near the old port of Skopelos Town. Lasting between 3 and 4 days, it enjoys immense popularity and comprises not only concerts but also workshops, exhibitions and seminars.

• Traditional Dance Festival “Diamantis Palaiologos”
Established with the aim of honoring the dance teacher Diamantis Palaiologos, this festival has evolved into a three-day annual event bringing together an impressive number of dance groups from around the country, as well as thousands of spectators from all over the world.