Events

Carnival in Arta

Carnival in Greece starts in Arta, as the big carnival parade becomes the first Carnival Night!

Days full of symbolism, events and authentic tradition, revived

through dance, music, fun and disguise. The city is filled with vitality

and color, attracting a multitude of visitors who participate and

watch the impressive parades and parallel activities.

Patinades and Pyr-omades, carnival parades and chocofretopolem,

Bandidoi, merry-go-rounds, colorful clowns, jamales, feasting and dancing. Arta

puts on its festive attire and is preparing to give unforgettable moments to every

visitor with carnival events taking place in the city and its villages throughout

this festive period.

The first Saturday of Carnival is the big carnival parade, a custom for over 35 years and organized by the informal women's committee.

Colorful groups, spectacular floats and disguised carnivalists flood the streets and bring joy to young and old. The parade ends with the established <<chocofretopolemo>>, where chocofretos are thrown into the crowd by the carnivalists. The celebration culminates with a concert that keeps the mood high!

On Sunday, the city is filled with children's smiles with the children's parade! The little carnivalists, dressed in imaginative costumes, pour out into the streets, bringing color and vitality to the Carnival celebration.

The Carnival events continue on the second Saturday of Carnival, with traditional events, carnival processions, carnival festivities. The Cultural Associations of the city and neighboring villages revive the carnival customs of old Arta, bringing the Carnival procession and the Bandidoi back to the streets of the city, the three days before the Great Carnival. The Carnival Artino Event "BANDIDI" parades through the streets of the city. This is a custom that dates back to ancient times and at the end of the Bandidoi's route, a large bonfire is lit in Skoufa Square, where a dance is set up around it. The Bandidoi were groups of young people who took to the streets of the city in droves, taking advantage of the permission given by the Sultan to the Artinoi to celebrate Carnival. With the opening of the Triodius, they wrote the couplets and prepared their clothes. Almost all the neighborhoods of the city participated, Agia Sophia, Parigoritissa, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Georgios, Agia Theodora, Pantokratoras. In the early years, they wore a foustanella, a headband, a woolen jacket, a red belt and a knife. Later, they wore a jacket in only one hand and a belt with fringes reaching down to the ground. They satirized the authorities or prominent figures by singing improvised couplets, often with erotic content, externalizing their sorrows. “We will become doctors, we will become doctors

on Clean Monday we will eat pitasti”

“Even if you are or are not the Mayor’s child

I will kiss you even if I go to jail”

The “Gaitanaki” in Arta

The Gaitanaki is one of the most characteristic Carnival customs of

Greece, a circular dance with roots lost in time. In Arta, this custom

has been harmoniously integrated into the local tradition and comes alive every year

through festive events. The Municipality of Arta, in collaboration with

Cultural Associations and organizations, organizes a series of events

dedicated to “Gaitanaki”, which take place in the city center but also in

the squares of many villages.

The traditional Gaitanaki in Grammenitsa is an unforgettable experience

of authentic folk expression. This unique “Gaitanaki”, which was honored in 2003 by folklorist and musician Domna Samiou at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall and in 1998 received the first prize at the Thessaloniki Festival, through its participation in the documentary by the late director, Stratos Stasinos, wears its masks and sets up a feast throughout the village until the afternoon, culminating in the cutting of the ribbon. The masks of the Grammenitsa event – ​​the Janissary, the Bride, the Arab, the Carnival – designed by Kostas Konstantinou, have their place in the Ethnographic Mask Museum in Meliki, among authentic masks from all over Greece. Thousands of visitors have the opportunity to be introduced to the tradition through this

special collection!

The traditional Carnival events ̈Bandidoi and Gaitanaki of Arta ̈

were included in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece,

highlighting the cultural wealth of Arta and its timeless connection with

the customs of Carnival.

Experience Easter in Arta

Arta, with its Byzantine monuments and rich cultural heritage, experiences Easter with unique religious splendor and authentic customs that are revived every year and offer visitors an unforgettable experience. During this period, the city is fragrant with the blooming orange trees of the plain, while the Byzantine monuments become the epicenter of the events. In Panagia Parigoritissa, in Agia Theodora, in Agios Nikolaos Square and in the picturesque neighborhoods, religious and folkloric customs come alive in a climate of devotion.

On Holy Thursday, in the courtyard of Agia Theodora, the "Great Fire" is lit, while parishioners decorate the Epitaph with flowers. On Good Friday, the Epitaphs of all parishes meet in the historic center, accompanied by choirs and philharmonic bands. On Holy Saturday, on the pedestrian street of Skoufa Street, the breaking of the jugs is revived, while the Resurrection in the imposing church of Parigoritissa culminates with fireworks and lanterns. The burning of Judas in Agia Theodora and Parigoritissa completes the Easter scene. The “Byzantine Week” includes the Religious Music Festival, Easter concerts, as well as folk tradition events in the villages, such as the Lazarus Songs, a custom that has been included in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece, the “Passions” in Rodavgi and the Chancellors. Taste experiences from the local cuisine accompany the celebrations, making the trip to Arta even more authentic.

In Arta, Easter is not only a religious celebration; it is a journey into

history, faith and tradition.

Celebration of the Patroness Saint Theodora

The Patroness and Protectress of Arta, Saint Theodora, is honored with splendor, devotion and religious devotion every year on

March 11th, in the presence of

a multitude of believers and officials. The festive events culminate with the

ceremony of the Presanctified Divine Liturgy and the universal Procession of the Holy Relics of the Saint through the central streets of the city, giving a particularly

devout and solemn character to the celebration.

Jewish Community and Holocaust Remembrance Event

The Jewish Community of Arta was one of the oldest in Greece.

The establishment of the first “Greka” Synagogue dates back to the 13th century, the heyday of the Despotate, when the ruler Michael II Komnenos Doukas gave the

Jewish community freedoms and privileges that led it to flourish. At the same time, the Jewish cemetery on the hill of Peranthis, which Queen Theodora (Saint Theodora) granted to the community, began to operate. At that time,

only the old “Romaniote” Jews lived in Arta, as in the whole of Epirus, since the 3rd century BC and had been constructively integrated

into the local communities.

At the beginning of the 15th century, Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Apulia and Calabria in Italy, as well as from Spain, arrived in Arta, adding to the existing Romaniote population. They founded the "Poulieza" Synagogue, i.e. Apulian, a Jewish school and charitable associations. During World War II, the Arta Jewish Community was exterminated, since on March 24, 1944, most of its members were arrested and deported to German concentration camps. The 30 survivors of the death camps and the 28 who had escaped to the surrounding villages were unable to resurrect the community, which had lost 84% of its population. The city of Arta commemorates the Jews who perished every year. The Municipality of Arta, on the second 15th of March, organizes events for the victims of the Holocaust in an effort to preserve the historical memory of the Jewish Community, which played an important role in the city's long history. The events are attended by descendants of the Jews of Arta, rabbis, representatives of Jewish associations and other official bodies in Greece and abroad, as well as delegations of foreign countries. The program includes guided tours, tours of the old Jewish quarter and a memorial service with the laying of wreaths at the Holocaust Memorial. The Jewish Martyrs Memorial is located outside the gate of the Castle near the Clock Tower.

Eleftheria and Cultural Summer

June 24th is the day of the liberation of Arta from the Turks. A day of remembrance, a day of celebration for all the people of Arta. The Municipality of Arta commemorates the anniversary every year with a rich cultural program, aimed at all residents and visitors to the area. A series of events mark the cultural wealth and historical heritage of Arta.

After the "Eleftheria" of Arta, the Cultural Summer of the Municipality of Arta follows and the city is transformed into an open cultural place. Daily events, film screenings, dance evenings with traditional dances, concerts, theatrical events, children's performances are included in the Cultural Summer program. The summer cinema "Orpheus", the open-air theatre in the Riverside Park, the event space in the Castle of Arta, the traditional festivals in the villages, cultural events in the historic centre and the squares of the city, festivals, make Arta a destination with a cultural pulse. Traditional festivals and Chancellor Festivals and traditional dances are genuine expressions of Greek tradition and hospitality, an opportunity to experience the Greek "festival". The festivals in Arta, lively folklore elements starring the clarinet and folk songs, have a special place in the tourist identity of the region, as they are a pole of attraction for visitors. In all the villages of Arta, both in the plains and in the mountains, as well as in the Tzoumerko villages, the festivals are set up in the squares, on the occasion of the celebration of local Saints, as a form of entertainment for the locals, since they ritually follow the Divine Liturgy and the Litany of holy icons throughout the village. The residents devoutly observe their tradition and all participate in the great celebration together. The festivals are an unforgettable experience for the visitor, a taste of live traditional music with clarinet, with folk dances, with spits and local cuisine. !!! Opportunity to get to know the traditional Chancellor of Arta and to get caught up in the dance... (photo by Chancellor- Melissourgous preferably) “Chancellor”. The dance-symbol of the villages of Arta. The traditional circular dance, which is danced without music, has its roots in the depths of centuries and is danced to this day. The custom is observed spontaneously and reverently every year. The villagers, young and old, are consistent in their unwritten promise to transmit the custom from generation to generation. The ritual of the dance is inviolable! Shortly after sunset, the men begin the song and the women repeat it, echoing it. The dance is led by the oldest man in the village or the priest, followed by the men, then the women and finally the children. In some villages, the women are placed in a separate circle inside the men (diplokagelo). Musical instruments are never involved. The dancers hold each other in a feminine way, holding each other's elbows. As the dance progresses, kagelismata are created, meaning that the dancers dance in doubles, so some come facing each other and others back to back. In the double kagelismata, the line of dancers doubles, in the triple kagelismata it triples. According to tradition, the Kagelismata was also a way of communication between the inhabitants of the villages of Xirovouni and Tzoumerka, since they could exchange secret messages without being noticed by the Turks. Thus, with the kagelismata, they came closer and achieved a greater degree of understanding. That is why, when they made the crossbar, the liaisons, those who knew the issues well, always entered the arch and told everyone who passed by what to do, or learned news and told the others. The Chancellor also served a social purpose, as it was an opportunity for the two sexes to get to know each other. Participation in the dance was universal and thus gave the young men the opportunity to see the beauties and choose the bride. Most courtships used to start on the railings. In the remote villages of Xirovouni and Tzoumerka, with their closed societies and strict moral codes, the Chancellor was the one that stood as a meeting place for young people. In 2023, its cultural value was recognized and it was registered on the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece (UNESCO), with the aim of highlighting and preserving the cultural element "Kangelari, a dance event in 29 villages of Arta".

Sardine Festival in Aneza

In August, in the village of Aneza, the Sardine Festival is organized!

The sardine is available free of charge to the public as a sign of gratitude in the Amvrakikos Gulf, where one of the most recognizable delicacies is caught, the Amvrakikos sardine or "spatula", the taste of which is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Visitors from all over Epirus gather in the open-air festival area to spend a beautiful evening of singing, dancing and food.

Year after year, the number of fans of the event increases, which shows that the

festival is finding great appeal among the general public due to its authenticity, but also the opportunity to try local products and the famous Epirus hospitality.

Trade Fair - the traditional bazaar of Arta

The trade fair of Arta has deep roots in the centuries and is one of the most important historical economic events of the region. From the late Middle Ages and especially from the 16th century onwards, the bazaar of Arta – known as Muhousti or Mhoust in the local idiom – developed into one of the most important commercial hubs of Epirus. There one would encounter a multitude of traders from all over Greece and abroad, from Ragusa, Venice, Florence, Lower Italy and Malta, who brought fabrics, glassware, paints, papers and a multitude of other products, while at the same time buying goods from the mainland.

It was characteristic that the fair also included a large livestock fair, which mainly served the local and neighboring communities.

Today, the Arta bazaar continues to be lively and renewed at the Exhibition Center, attracting a large crowd of people, traders and visitors every year at the end of September and operating as an institution that combines tradition, commercial activity, entertainment, gastronomy, musical events and an amusement park.

Chestnut Festival in Rodavgi

The Chestnut Festival in Rodavgi takes place every year in October and lasts three days. It attracts a large number of visitors who enjoy the warm, autumnal climate and the rich cultural events. With the cooperation of all the village bodies and residents, the three-day event includes school visits, tours of local attractions, traditional flavors and music and dance events, bringing the square to life and highlighting the fruit-symbol of the region. On the second day of the events, visitors can participate in the “Chestnut Route”, a unique and beautiful route through the chestnut forest and the old churches of the village. On the day of the festival, they taste roasted chestnuts, local products and a rich artistic program with traditional music and the participation of dance groups. The walks in beautiful Rodavgi are the best. Autumn colors, beautiful nature, traditional sounds, tsipouro and traditional fried foods from the village Women’s Association. Eel Festival in Mytikas

Enjoy the daily festive feast in the village of Mytikas!

A gastronomic festival starring the Amvrakikos eel, as a way of

promoting the cultural heritage of the residents of the area. The festival

also projects the environmental message for the protection of the species

Anguilla anguilla, which has been threatened with extinction for the last decade and

is under special protection by the European Union.

The Road of Giofiri

Arta meets the passion for sports and healthy living.

A top sporting event, the Half Marathon “The Road of Giofiri”,

held every year in the city. Come run and get to know Arta, a city with a rich history, many important historical monuments and wonderful natural beauties. The Half Marathon is an excellent opportunity for all sports enthusiasts, regardless of their level of experience, to join forces, have fun and live a unique experience. The Half Marathon has an impressive route that passes through the most picturesque parts of the city, the Castle, the Clock Tower, Parigoritissa, the Historical Bridge, parts of the city that have stood and breathed to this day since the time of Ambracia and King Pyrrhus, as well as the Despotate of Epirus. At the same time, city races are organized such as a 21.1 km relay race (2 x 10,550 meters), a 5,000 m road race. men-women, 5,000m walking track

and 300m, 600m and 800m track for students.

This event is not just a race, but a celebration of the city, with

increasing participation from Greece and abroad, where in those days

Arta “runs” to the rhythm of the event and is full of life.

Crossing the Amvrakikos

The institution that began with the most romantic motives, with much love and immense

respect for the natural jewel of Arta, the Amvrakikos Gulf, and evolved into

a sports event of pan-Hellenic scope.

In 2005, the Physical Education and Sports Professor George Tsafoulis, from Rahi, Arta, carried out the first swim alone, wanting to send a strong environmental message about the need to protect the Amvrakikos, a wetland of global ecological importance and rare natural beauty. Every year in July, open-water swimmers from all over Greece meet to dive into the waters of the Amvrakikos and swim the 11 km from Vonitsa to Koronisia. The swim maintains its authentic, human character, while simultaneously being a celebration of sports and ecological awareness. The parallel activities and events, sand sports, cycling, stargazing, hiking, beach parties, create a unique experience, making the event an ideal opportunity for sports and nature tourism in the area.

«Night Run Arta 1881»

A successful sports event with participation from all over Greece, running clubs and many amateur runners. It takes place on the weekend of June, which celebrates the liberation of Arta (June 24, 1881).

Starting at 9 pm! The event is accompanied by music and dance events in the spirit of the Eleftheria festival. A route in which participants run among the city's monuments and historical streets, giving them the opportunity for a night tour of history. With the "Night Run Arta 1881" the historical identity of Arta is combined with sports. Arta Trail The Arta Trail is an annual mountain running race organized in Arta by the Arta Runners' Association and the Municipality of Arta, attracting athletes and nature lovers from all over Greece. The event includes two routes, 22 and 6 kilometers, with a starting and finishing point on Peranthis Hill. Participants move along forest roads and paths with panoramic views of the Amvrakikos Gulf and the plain of Arta, passing by historical sites such as the star-shaped Venetian fort and the scattered machine guns. Arta’s Trail combines athletic challenge, natural beauty and cultural interest, offering a unique experience of getting to know the landscape and history of the region. A sports event in a place with history. The Epirus Marathon – King Pyrrhus, as its title suggests, has a historical background and comes to introduce the general public to both the centuries-old history of the Arta region and its current contemporary image. A sports event in a place with history. The first Spring Marathon, in ideal climatic conditions. The

route is flat and conducive to achieving records, as for most of it

it runs alongside the Arachthos River.

Classic Vehicle Festival

Did you know that Arta is the second city in Greece in terms of attendance for

participation and attendance at the Classic Vehicle Festival? The city

hosts the second largest exhibition in the country in terms of participation, after that of Faliro, establishing an event that each year brings together exhibitors and

classic car lovers from every corner of Greece.

The organization belongs to the Classic Vehicle Club of Arta, the well-known

«Garajeros», a member of EO FILPA, who with passion and hospitality have created

a family atmosphere. As the “4TROCHOI” also notes, this is the reason

that the participants return every year with their vehicles.

The event belongs to the Classic Vehicle Club of Arta, the well-known "Garajeros", a member of EO FILPA, who with passion and hospitality have created a family atmosphere. As "4TROCHOI" notes, this is the reason that participants return every year with their vehicles. The Festival takes place every September and develops into a three-day celebration with music, food, walks and routes in the uniquely beautiful wetlands of the region. This is an event that gives Arta a leading role in Epirus and ranks it among the top cities in Greece for events of this kind. International Modeling Exhibition The Arta Modelers' Club organizes the International Modeling Exhibition every year in June. The exhibition has established itself as a reference point for the city, hosting exhibitors and visitors from all over Greece and abroad. With a multitude of exhibits, a welcoming atmosphere and a dynamic profile, it proved that passion, quality, passion and consistency transformed a regional event into an exhibition of international scope. Panhellenic Cork Fishing Championship in inland waters The Panhellenic Cork Fishing Championship is organized every year in the city's riverside park. Cork fishing is a technique that requires patience, skill and a good knowledge of the water and the fish. Using light equipment and a cork as a bite indicator, athletes must demonstrate precision in their casting and quick reflexes in catching the fish. It is a competition that combines relaxation with competitive challenge, attracting both experienced and new anglers to the world of sport fishing.