15th August Karpathos

Faithful to the customs and traditions of their ancestors, the people of Karpathos honour the patron saints of their villages during festivals, with lutes, lyres, bagpipes, improvised folk songs (mantinades), dances, and traditional delicacies. Among the most renowned festivals is the one held on the 15th of August, celebrated throughout the island, with the most notable taking place in Aperi, Diafani, Menetes, and Olympos. There is also the festival of Saint John in Vroukounda (August 29). Women wear exquisitely crafted, colourful traditional costumes, food is offered free of charge, and the festivities continue until dawn.