Colors of Naxos - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The island of Naxos is one of the most interesting and distinctive regions of Greece. It is interesting not only for the variety of historical sights and natural beauties but also for its cultural traditions. A lot of holidays are held on the island throughout the year. Some festivals have been celebrated by locals for more than a hundred years. Naxos is an island of volcanic origin, one of its main values is fertile soil. A lot of fruits and vegetables are grown here, and the real pride of the locals is potatoes.

It is distinguished by unique taste and is an important part of local gastronomy. You can try potato dishes at any local restaurant. Locals love this vegetable so much that they hold a thematic festival dedicated to it every year. It is usually organized in the early days of September. Entertainment programs held within the framework of the potato festival have repeatedly entered the Guinness Book of Records. Concerts are held, theater artists and acrobats perform in the streets all day long.

Interesting entertainment and games are organized for children, and the time for a "potato party" comes in the afternoon. By tradition, a huge frying pan is installed in the main city square to fry a portion of potatoes. Several years ago, organizers of the holiday managed to fry 600 kg of potatoes at a time, and everyone could try a portion of hot fried potatoes for free. Such an unusual event was officially recognized as a world record, but Naxos residents are not ready to rest. Currently, more than 200 families are engaged in potato cultivation on the island, over 8,000 tons of root crops are harvested here every year. Local potatoes are considered one of the most delicious not only in Greece but also in Europe. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another interesting symbol of the island is Graviera cheese, which is now appreciated by gourmets and culinary experts around the world. Another theme festival is dedicated to this delicacy, which usually takes place in mid-June. Famous chefs from all over Greece take part in the festival. Guests of the holiday will have the opportunity to try exceptional regional dishes prepared by them. Graviera cheese is an important component of most dishes, it is added to many salads and pastries, as well as potato dishes. At culinary workshops, visitors to the festival can learn to cook popular Cycladic dishes on their own. An essential part of the event is themed tours, within which one can visit the famous Naxos farms where cheese is produced. This gastronomic festival wouldn't be complete without classical entertainments such as street concerts and performances. More and more foreign guests take part in the three-day festival every year.

Besides interesting gastronomic festivals, Naxos holds the ones dedicated to modern culture. The largest event on the calendar is the Naxos Festival, which is held throughout the summer. Musicians, theater artists, cinema workers, and artists are invited. Music concerts, art exhibitions, and arts and crafts programs are held in various cities of Naxos. Most of the entertainment within the festival program is free of charge.

Initially, the festival was a modest event in which Greece art community took part. Over the years, its scale has increased. Participants from European countries and then from the rest of the world joined the festival. Now the festival is annually visited by guests from Iceland, Japan, the Baltic and other countries. The fact that many concerts and exhibitions are held on the territory of historical sites makes the festival even more interesting. Old fortresses and mansions literally come to life, filled with the sounds of music and a train of artistic beauty.

This is another holiday that cannot do without gastronomic entertainment. Its multifaceted program is aimed at a wide range of guests. Theater performances and master classes in various arts are also held for children, while adults will be pleased with evening concerts organized right on the coast. It'd also be a good idea to visit Naxos during religious holidays, which form an important part of the local culture.