Pentecost Festival
April/May
On the Saturday, in handsomely stone-built Agía Paraskeví, a bull is publically sacrificed and its meat cooked in a communal stew called keskéti; late on Sunday afternoon anarchic horse races take place at the edge of town, on spirited, unbroken steeds – crowd-charging incidents not unknown.
Lesviakó Kalokéri
July-August
Concerts and plays staged in Mytilíni’s medieval castle plus other venues across Lésvos. Last year saw top Greek names Marinella, Kostas Hatzis and Alkistis Protopsalti perform.
Mólyvos Summer Events
July-August
Concerts or drama are staged in the imposing castle above the village, on an ad-hoc basis – funding issues no longer permit a formal programme.
Skála Kallonís
August
Grilled, not cured, sardines are the thing here, served in the main square along with music and dance performances. The plankton-rich gulf here makes the sardines the best around.
International Eressos Women’s Festival
September
Skála Eressoú with its superb sandy beach has long been the premier resort for lesbians across Europe. Since its inception in 2000, this festival has grown to two weeks of musical, dance and cabaret events, as well as exhibitions, craft markets, plus a small film festival.