
Kissamos – Festival of Tastes & Art 2025

The Municipality of Kissamos hosts the 16th annual “Kissamos – Festival of Tastes & Art,” a vibrant celebration of Cretan heritage, taking place from Saturday, August 16th, to Sunday, August 24th, 2025. Located along the scenic coastal road just west of the Kissamos Municipal Stadium, the festival invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of local culture and gastronomy. The daily operating hours are from 18:30 to 23:30.
This nine-day event transforms the waterfront into a bustling marketplace of aromas and images, featuring over 40 stalls dedicated to showcasing the authentic treasures of the Cretan land and its people. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to acquaint themselves with the island’s renowned diet, traditional products, and enduring customs. The festival is more than just a market; it’s a comprehensive cultural experience, complemented by a nightly program of live music, traditional dance performances, and engaging cultural activities, all with free admission for the public. The event begins with an opening ceremony on August 16th, featuring a children’s choir and a traditional Cretan feast, setting the stage for a week of memorable festivities.
Event Program
Date |
Time |
Location |
Description/Details |
Sat, Aug 16, 2025 |
20:00 |
Festival Grounds |
Opening Ceremony: Blessing, official greetings, and performance by a children’s choir directed by Elisabeth Tympakianaki. |
21:30 |
Festival Grounds |
Traditional Cretan Feast: Music by Giannis & Kostis Kartsonakis, Giannis Papadakis, Eirini Skalidaki, and Nikos Polychronakis. Dance by “I KISSAMOS” & “Giannis & Haris Koumis” Dance School. |
|
Sun, Aug 17, 2025 |
21:00 |
Festival Grounds |
Music Night: A performance of “Entechno” (artful) and “Laiko” (popular) Greek songs with the music group “LAVA”. |
Mon, Aug 18, 2025 |
19:00 |
Tzanakaki Sq. to Festival Grounds |
Cretan Wedding Re-enactment: The procession begins at Tzanakaki Square, moves along Skalidi Street, and concludes at the festival site. |
20:30 |
Festival Grounds |
Cretan Wedding Celebration: A detailed re-enactment of a traditional Cretan wedding with folklore elements, live Cretan music, and dance groups. |
|
Tue, Aug 19, 2025 |
20:30 |
Festival Grounds |
Historical Talk: “Gramvousa-Kissamos – The dialogue of two castles” exploring the region’s role in the 1821 Revolution. |
21:30 |
Festival Grounds |
Cretan Night: Music by Eftychis & Nektarios Kostakis. Featuring the “Kagiales” Akrotiri Folklore Dance Group. |
|
Wed, Aug 20, 2025 |
20:30 |
Festival Grounds |
Documentary Screening: “The Pirates of Gramvousa” by Cosmote TV. |
21:30 |
Festival Grounds |
Cretan Night: A traditional music performance with the band of Dimitris Anagnostakis. |
|
Thu, Aug 21, 2025 |
21:00 |
Festival Grounds |
Cretan & Laiko Night: A musical evening with Giannis Menegakis. Featuring the “I KISSAMOS” Cretan Dance Association. |
Fri, Aug 22, 2025 |
21:00 |
Festival Grounds |
Concert: A live performance by artist Manos Malaxianakis. |
Sat, Aug 23, 2025 |
21:00 |
Festival Grounds |
Concert: An evening of “Entechno” and “Laiko” music with Konstantinos Kandiros. |
Sun, Aug 24, 2025 |
21:00 |
Festival Grounds |
Closing Feast: A grand Cretan “glenti” (feast) with the renowned artist Nikos Zoidakis. Dance performances by “Giannis & Haris Koumis” Dance School and the “I KISSAMOS” Association. |