The Pasteli Festival in Chora, Amorgos
Every August, the quiet whitewashed alleys of Chora, the capital of Amorgos, come alive with one of the island’s sweetest traditions: the Pasteli Festival (Γιορτή Παστελιού). Held in Loza Square on the first Sunday after August 15, this beloved event celebrates pasteli, a traditional Cycladic treat made of sesame seeds and honey.
As the sun sets behind the Venetian castle that overlooks Chora, locals begin preparing pasteli in the square. Sesame is roasted, honey is gently heated, and the fragrant mixture is stirred in large cauldrons before being spread onto marble slabs and cut into delicate diamond shapes. Traditionally, the pieces are placed on lemon leaves, giving each bite a subtle, aromatic freshness. Visitors are invited to watch the preparation, taste the results, and sip psimeni raki, the island’s signature spiced honey liqueur.
But the Pasteli Festival is more than a tasting—it is a vibrant gathering of music, dance, and community. Once the first trays of pasteli are ready, musicians with violins, lutes, and drums strike up traditional island tunes. Soon, the square fills with circle dances, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Travellers and locals join together, blurring the line between guests and hosts in a celebration that often continues late into the night.
The festival’s timing is significant: it takes place just after the Assumption of the Virgin (August 15), one of the biggest religious holidays in Greece, marking both a spiritual and cultural high point of the summer. For Amorgians, the Pasteli Festival is a way of honouring tradition and hospitality while sharing their heritage with visitors.
Tips for Travellers
- 📍 Where: Loza Square, Chora, Amorgos.
- 📅 When: First Sunday after August 15 (in 2025, it will be on August 24).
- 🕗 Time: Festivities begin at sunset (around 20:30) and last until after midnight.
- 🍯 Don’t miss: Pair your pasteli with psimeni raki—the island’s famous spiced honey liqueur.
- 🌅 Extra experience: Arrive early to explore Chora’s alleys and climb to the Venetian castle for breathtaking sunset views before the festival begins.
The Pasteli Festival is more than a local event—it’s a living tradition, offering travellers a chance to taste, dance, and connect with the heart of Amorgos. Sweet, lively, and deeply authentic, it’s one of those experiences that make a summer night in the Cyclades unforgettable.
*We recommend that you obtain access information at the Archaeological Museum.
Photo: amorgos-island.gr
