The festival of sardine
In Skala Kallonis, the summer festivals present a special interest: the festival of sardine in the first weekend of August. Sardines caught here are said to be some of the best in Greece and the daily catch is bought into the quaint, but busy village harbour. At the festival the grilled sardines are to be offered to the visitors with plenty of ouzo accompanied with live greek dance shows.
The festival of the bull
The festival of the bull is organized in Agia Paraskevi on the last weekend in June or the first weekend in July, and in Pigi on the second weekend in July. The slaughter of a bull is a holdover from pre-Christian sacrifices. This custom has its roots in the 17th century. The festival includes horse-races and the preparation of the traditional kiskeki, a dish of beef and wheat that is boiled in large cauldrons and served to the pilgrims.
The feast of the Virgin Mary
The feast of the Virgin Mary is organized, on August 15th, in Agiassos and Petra. Throngs of pilgrims flock to Agiassos, some of whom arrive on foot and spend the night in the church courtyard.
Ouzo festival
During summer, in various spots of Lesvos, is organized the famous ouzo festival which is one of the most important gastronomical events of Greece and Lesvos, where people can come and enjoy the different varieties of ouzo, specially made “mezedes” and the live traditional Greek music and dancing by famous Greek artists and dancers.
Chestnut festival
Since 2004, every November, the village of Agiasos, holds a chestnut festival. The picturesque village is filled with visitors from all over Lesvos, some from Greece and a few from further afield. Massive piles of chestnuts are gathered locally and offered for sale. The mix of steam and smoke can make the village quite surreal. Tavernas and Kafeneions are full and the entire village buzzes with voices.
The feast of Ai Yannis (St. John) Klidonas
It is a feast that takes place in Sigri on 24 July, during which the villagers light fires in the streets and jump over their cinders.
