The tradition of the festivals in Greece has evolved from ancient customs that still hold to this day. The festivals are a gathering of many people with traditional food, music and dancing, usually held outdoors and are a mean of entertainment and fun. The character of most festivals is mainly religious, as it is organized to celebrate a Saint and it usually lasts two days. Most of the times, there is a religious service in a church or a monastery and is followed by entertainment. After the service and procession of the icons, there is a big trade fair with stalls, music and dance events, that lasts until morning. For many years it was a custom of rural Greece that took place in cafes and squares of the villages, but over the years it was transferred to the cities as well. However, over time, its main role was transformed from a focus on local communities to an annual celebration. Most often there is a peak of festivals during August, before and after the 15th of the month, as it coincides with the great religious holiday of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Festivities in Attica
While August is known as a time of celebrations in the province, many festivals occur in Attica at this time of year. Many Athenians who have remained in the city during August are on the lookout for ways to entertain themselves within these ‘gates of the city’. The festivals are a unique opportunity to get to know places, areas, customs, traditions, and events in August, which invite locals and visitors to explore Athens. There are plenty of festivals and are a great idea for a night-out in Athens, while getting a taste of the village celebration, within the boundaries of the city.
August Dates & Locations
August 5-6
At the beginning of the month, especially, on the 5th and the 6th of August, the Holy Church of the Metamorphosis celebrates in the area of Metamorphosis at the intersection of Chlois and Odysseos streets. The evening is usually followed by a party in Heroes Square on Georgios Papandreou Avenue, where you can listen to the biggest stars of folklore music perform.
August 13-16
On August 13-16, there are festivals and celebrations in a variety of places, including Porto Rafti, Marousi, and Kolonos area. While visiting Porto Rafti you have the opportunity for a walk by the sea, whereas in the northern suburbs, specifically in Marousi, crowds flock for the feast of the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. At the same time, the aroma of tradition exists strongly in Hasia, where the Patron Saint Panayia is honored by the Municipality of Fili with a three-day feast on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of August. The three-day cultural and festive events in Hasia are one of the great social events that take place in Attica during the summer. Tradition, joy, excitement and fun in a celebration that has nothing to envy from what is happening in the islands and mainland Greece.
August 22-23
In the last days of August, you can visit the festival organized on the 22nd and 23rd of August in honor of Panagia Faneromeni in Cholargos. Every year worship events are held with all formality, while during the evening the necessary traffic regulations are made on the homonymous street for the convenience of visitors.
August 26-31
On August 26th and 27th, festivals are held in Ilion and Drapetsona in honor of Agios Fanourios, while on the 28th and 29th of August there is a festival in Neos Kosmos as well as one in Agios Ioannis in Rentis. Finally, just before the arrival of autumn and the end of the summer, we can move near the sea, where on August 29th and 30th Saint Alexander is celebrated in Paleo Faliro, while very close to the center of Athens on the 30th and 31st of August, the festival of the Holy Zone in the area of Kypseli is worth the visit.
