Melitzazz 2026

2 -5 July

Photo Exhibition

Cine
Melitzazz

Hunt the Stamp

Art Events

In Nature

Melitzazz
Kids

Concerts

Photo Exhibition

Cine
Melitzazz

Hunt the Stamp

Art Events

In Nature

Melitzazz Kids

Concerts

Communities

Melitzazz 2026

In 2026, Melitzazz returns for its fourteenth year in Leonidio, from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, 2026, with the theme “Communities”. The core and connecting thread among the various activities are the multiple forms of collectivity. Through cultural practices and experiences, the festival explores how communities are formed, how they transform, and how they maintain their cohesion in a world of constant mobility and change.

When we speak of a community, we are referring to more than one level of meaning. Beyond the community as the basic administrative and social unit of local government—as a space for daily life, relationships, and participation— the concept also encompasses organized groups of people connected by common origins, experiences, or cultural references, even beyond the borders of a region or a country.

The theme of this year’s festival also touches on the concept of “Commons” (commons), that is, all kinds of material and immaterial resources that communities manage collectively according to rules and standards they themselves have established. The designation of Parnonas, the mountain of Tsakonia, as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2025 directly aligns with this concept, highlighting a space where nature, daily life, local knowledge, and cultural expressions coexist and (co)create. Parnonas serves as a shared space of experiences, memory, and care, where communities actively participate in shaping the present and future of their homeland.

Μέσα από σύγχρονες καλλιτεχνικές, εκπαιδευτικές, συμμετοχικές και τοπο-ειδικές δράσεις, το Μελιτζάzz ενεργοποιεί το κοινό και το προσκαλεί να συμμετάσχει στη διαμόρφωση μιας κοινής εμπειρίας. Η κοινότητα για εμάς ξεπερνά τα όρια μιας στατικής εικόνας στον χρόνο και διαμορφώνει μια δυναμική διαδικασία συνάντησης, διαλόγου και συνεργασίας. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, το φεστιβάλ επανεξετάζει τον ρόλο του ως ανοικτή πολιτιστική πλατφόρμα που φέρνει σε διάλογο τόπους, ανθρώπους και ιδέες, δημιουργώντας συνδέσεις ανάμεσα στο τοπικό και το υπερτοπικό.

Schedule

Melitzazz 2026

Expand All +

  • July 2


  • July 3


  • July 4


  • July 5


  • Every day


  • Opening of the photography exhibition “Communities.” The exhibition brings together local and supralocal narratives through photography as a common language of memory, visibility, and participation, exploring the concept of belonging and the relationship between the individual and place.
    Drawing on personal and community photo archives, the exhibition creates a visual dialogue between the past of local communities and contemporary photographic practice.
    Participating photographers: Cloé Kerhoas Özmen, Alessandro Kikinas, Penelope Thomidis, Kimon Kaketsis, George Kalkanidis, Mariza Kapsambeli, Kleomenis Koufalotis, Christos Manioros, Ioannis Paraskevas, Ioanna Hatzialexandrou.
    We warmly thank everyone who shared their personal and family archives with us, providing selected material for the exhibition.
    Where
    Old Leonidio Junior High School

  • Opening of the contemporary art exhibition “Encounters.” Three artists engage with the locale, using their artistic practice as a tool for observation and interaction. The works on display serve as traces of an encounter with the history and heritage of Southern Kynouria.
    Participants: Dimitra Konstantinidi, Haris Rigalos, Stratis Tavlaridis
    In collaboration with the Tsakonia Archives, Christos Nikoloulias (Nikoloulias Silver Workshop), and Elizabeth Rodopoulou (Tsakonian Weavings).

    With the support of the NEON Organization for Culture and Development.
    Where
    Tsikaliotis Tower

  • Discover the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Parnonas Mountain–Akrotiri Malea region! The exhibition presents UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program and the region’s inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
    The exhibition is organized by: OFYPEKA (Organization for the Natural Environment and Climate Change), Parnonas Development Agency S.A., and OikoM Environmental Consulting Ltd. Co. Co-funded by Greece and the European Union.
    Where
    Old Leonidio Junior High School (ground floor) (headquarters of the Parnonas-Malea Biosphere Reserve)

  • In this Melitzazz, we’re meeting up with our young friends to discover the fascinating world of pelagic seabirds!
    Through educational materials provided by the Hellenic Ornithological Society, children will learn about the need to protect seabirds. Through hands-on and interactive activities, they will learn about the species that breed in our country, identify similarities and differences among them, and understand the threats to the sustainability of their populations.
    Under the guidance of OFYPEKA (Organization for the Natural Environment and Climate Change).
    Limited number of spots available.
    Register by filling out the form on the corresponding page
    Where
    Information Center on the Flora of Parnonas, former Vaskina Elementary School

  • The South Kynouria Municipality Adult Choir, a faithful companion of Melitzazz for years, is treating us this year to a special tribute to the voice that left its mark on generations: Vicky Moscholiou. The three-part mixed choir, consisting of about 20 members, will take us on a journey through beloved and timeless melodies, such as “I Don’t Know How Much I Love You,” “I Looked Into Your Eyes,” “The Dusk,” and “Under the Markiza,” among others.
    Let the melodies take you on a journey!
    Conductor: Stavros Koutivas
    Where
    Piazza Martano - Culture Factory

  • The vocal ensemble Asma Cordis is united by their love of music, dance, and song. Their name means “song of the heart”—from the Ancient Greek word “ásma” and the Latin “cor-cordis” — and accurately captures the essence of their music.
    They approach the traditional Greek repertoire with a contemporary polyphonic interpretation, while also exploring folk sounds from around the world. Having performed at festivals in Greece and abroad—Sweden, the United States, and Ireland—and with their debut album in the works, they’re coming to Melitzazz for an evening that will touch every heart.

    Featuring: Anna-Maria Markantonis, Georgia Palioura, Irini Athanasoula, Marianna Athanasoula.
    Where
    Tsikaliotis Tower

  • The JAK Trio brings together three longtime collaborators and friends in a project that combines the depth of traditional music with the harmonic language of European jazz.
    The three soloists connect, improvise, and create original music inspired by iconic traditional pieces (such as the Epirus folk song “Berati”). They share a common understanding of the role each must play individually, as well as the role the trio as a whole must play in the evolution of the music they each love; for this reason, they set aside the classical piano, the traditional clarinet, and percussion to create a new, fresh sound and a new perspective rooted in traditional music.

    Performers: Alexandros Arkadopoulos (clarinet), Giannis Kyri-Kyriidis (piano), Kostas Meretakis (percussion)
    Where
    25 March Square

  • The first of the two hikes to be held as part of this year’s Melitzazz invites us to explore the route, which starts in Leonidio and heads toward Pera Melana, following a section of the Parnon Trail and the old road network that connected the villages of the region. Throughout the hike, we’ll enjoy open vistas and an authentic landscape featuring traditional cobblestone paths, fragrant Mediterranean vegetation, small scattered settlements, old cisterns, and threshing floors. The area’s imposing vertical cliffs create a striking natural backdrop. The picturesque little churches of Prophet Elias and Saint George (Limnes) offer ideal spots to rest, with panoramic views of the sea.
    A highlight of the route is the iconic red rock towering over Leonidio and the breathtaking view of the Myrtoan Sea—images that remain unforgettable for every visitor.
    Distance: 8.6 km
    Hiking time: 2.30’–3.00’
    Elevation (min): 29 m.
    Elevation (max): 380 m.
    Difficulty: Easy/moderate
    Limited number of spots.
    Participation requires good physical condition and a sense of responsibility. Please read the relevant instructions carefully and register by filling out the form on the corresponding page .
    Where
    Meeting point: 25 March Square, Leonidio

  • …with paints, brushes, and magic dust,
    we’ll transform you in an instant.
    We’re waiting for you to join us for jazz-inspired doodles, eggplants, and other fun activities.
    This event is open to all ages.
    Where
    @ Old Leonidio Junior High School

  • “My name is Vissarion A. Bakakoulis… I wonder what that ‘A’ means—after my first name and before my last name? Do you have any idea?”
    The search for identity through the eyes of a little frog unfolds before young viewers through a series of tender and humorous scenes.
    Every year, the Strigles troupe enchants and captivates the most demanding audience of all—children—by blending folk tradition, the joy of theater, and play.
    Where
    Old Leonidio Junior High School

  • The official opening of the Festival will be announced by the Mayor of South Kynouria, Mr. Emmanouil D. Dolianitis.
    A brief welcome address by Dr. Antonio de Sousa Abreu, Director of the UNESCO Division of Ecology and Geosciences and Secretary of the UNESCO MAB Program.
    Where
    Iroon Square

  • With a blend of jazz, Latin, and elements of electronic and traditional music, Christina Psyha presents her new project titled “Nenemo.” A performance with an atmosphere that balances the nostalgia of the past with the energy of contemporary sound. Christina Psyha and her collaborators will present original Greek-language songs and musical adaptations (by Kostas Karyotakis, Tasos Leivaditis, Fernando Pessoa), as well as covers of songs from various countries around the world, creating a performance characterized by intense dance, lyricism, and improvisation.

    Featuring: Angelos Spinoulis (keyboards), Orpheas Ioannidis (bass), Dimitris Kougiouroukis (drums), Christina Psyha (vocals, compositions)
    Where
    Iroon Square

  • Cine – Melitzazz 2026 welcomes the initiative “The Drama Festival Travels…”!
    As part of Melitzazz, the Drama International Short Film Festival presents a screening program featuring unique short films for adults and children. The selections include films that were loved by audiences and stood out for their freshness, emotional impact, humor, and perspective on the modern world.
    Nikolina Pagkalou, coordinator of the National Program of the Drama International Short Film Festival, will introduce the Festival and its activities to the Melitzazz audience.
    This will be followed by a screening of the films:
    • Loudias (30’, Greece) | Directed by Akis Polyzos

    • 400 Cassettes (14’, Greece – Germany) | Directed by Thelia Petraki
    • Or How to Disappear (23’, Greece) | Directed by: Giorgos Angelopoulos
    • Requiem in Salt (16’, 2024, Japan – Cyprus) | Directed by: Sylvia Nikolaidou, Nicolas Iordanou
    • The One Who Once Was (24’, 2025, Greece) | Directed by Kostis Theodosiopoulos
    • Noi (15’, Greece) | Directed by Neretan Zingeria
    Where
    Tsouchlou Mansion

  • The primary goal of the musical group Kinteria is to create a festive atmosphere—and that is exactly what they set out to do, inviting us to join the dance circle.
    A mystical experience that blends traditions from all over Greece—traditions that live on in each person’s musical memory depending on their ancestral roots—with traditional tunes ranging from Epirus to Thrace and from Macedonia to the Dodecanese awaits us!

    Performers: Myrsini Pontikopoulou-Venieri (violin), Vangelis Pappas (clarinet), Andreas Drakopoulos (percussion), Giorgos Christodoulou (lute)
    Where
    Metropolis Square

  • The second of the two hikes to be held as part of this year’s Melitzazz invites us to follow the coastal trail that starts at the port of Poulithra, passes through the cove of Agios Georgios, and ends at its little church.
    In the early 20th century, a merchant from Leonidio (G. Kourtesis), who was transporting wine and olive oil, was shipwrecked with his caique off the coast of the cove during a storm, but he survived. In honor of his patron saint, he built the little church at this spot, using wine instead of water, and placed an inscription at its entrance that reads:
    A wealthy man died, and took his wealth with him, only a shroud two cubits long to clothe his body
    The church’s feast day is an important celebration for the residents of Poulithra, who travel there every year by road and by sea in small boats to honor Saint George.

    Bring your swimsuit for a dip!

    Distance: 3.0 km
    Hiking time: 1.30’ (round trip)
    Elevation (min): 0 m
    Elevation (max): 23 m.
    Difficulty: Easy


    In collaboration with the Leonidio Climbing and Mountaineering Club and the Cultural and Beautification Association of Pouliithriotes Everywhere “I POLICHNI.” Limited number of spots available. Participation requires good physical condition and a sense of responsibility. Please read the relevant instructions carefully and register by filling out the form on the corresponding page
    Where
    Meeting point: Poulithra Port

  • Early in the morning (8:00 a.m.), the van from the Municipality of South Kynouria will transport the children to a farm in Plaka, Leonidio, where, under the guidance of farmer Panagiotis Giouzelis and the Melitzazz team, they will get in touch with the land, farming, and the production and harvesting of local products.

    Duration: 2 hours
    Hats and snacks will be provided for the children.

    Number of participants: 20 children, by pre-registration
    Register by filling out the form on the corresponding page
    Where
    Parnonas Flora Information Center (Former Vaskina Elementary School)

  • The Parnonas Academy is an educational initiative, a school that focuses on the critical issues shaping the management and sustainable development of the Parnonas-Malea Biosphere Reserve.
    The three thematic areas are: Environment, Culture, and Sustainable Development. By inviting distinguished scientists, academics, experts, and specialists in these fields, the Academy has the following objectives:
    • To educate and pass on existing knowledge and experience to young scientists, organizational leaders, and professionals.
    • To strengthen the network of collaboration among scientists and organizations active in Biosphere Reserves.
    • To explore best practices for managing protected areas.
    • To promote the exchange of ideas and best practices.
    The School is aimed at researchers, scientists, undergraduate and graduate students, staff members of institutions and organizations, and professionals—primarily from the Parnonas region—who are interested in the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources.

    Duration: 6 hours

    Limited number of spots available.
    Register at info@parnonas.gr
    Where
    Old Leonidio High School (headquarters of the Parnonas-Malea Biosphere Reserve)

  • Ceremony marking the inclusion of the Parnonas–Akrotiri Malea Biosphere Reserve in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program, attended by a high-level delegation from the Organization.
    The keynote speaker will be Michael Skoullos, Chair of the Greek MAB/UNESCO Committee and Head of the UNESCO Chair and Network for Management and Education for Sustainable Development in the Mediterranean at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
    The keynote speaker will be Dr. Antonio de Sousa Abreu, Director of the UNESCO Division of Ecology and Geosciences and Secretary of the UNESCO MAB Program.
    The event marks the celebration of a significant international recognition that highlights the Parnonas–Malea region as a place where biodiversity and sustainable development coexist.
    Where
    Old Leonidio High School (headquarters of the Parnonas-Malea Biosphere Reserve)

  • …with paints, brushes, and magic dust,
    we’ll transform you in an instant.
    We’re waiting for you to join us for jazz-inspired doodles, eggplants, and other fun activities.
    This event is open to all ages.
    Where
    @ Αρχοντικό Τσούχλου

  • Billie Kark invites us to an atmospheric live experience where electronic music meets traditional Greek song. With polyphonic harmonies, Greek lyrics, and indigenous timbres, her concert moves between the ethereal and the dark, drawing inspiration from nature, folklore, and magic. A musical journey of freedom, transformation, and imagination, inviting the audience to lose themselves in rhythm and myth.
    Where
    Leonidio Riverside Road (KTEL)

  • The second day of screenings at Cine-Melitzazz 2026 is dedicated to the festival’s young fans and lovers of the seventh art. The program will feature exclusively films from the children’s section of the International Short Film Festival:

    • Do What You Have to Do (21’ – Greece) | Directed by Manos Papadakis
    • The Day We Became Heroes (15’ – Greece) | Directed by Selini Papageorgiou
    • The T3st (11’ – Greece) | Directed by Alexandros Tsilifonis
    • Autumn Christmas (21’ - Greece) | Directed by: Kostas Bakouris
    • Atlantic (10’ – Greece) | Directed by: Alexandros Stamatidis
    Where
    Tsouchlou Mansion

  • Bag of Nails take the stage with an electrifying, psychedelic sound, deeply influenced by the ’60s and ’70s, rooted in improvisation and the intensity of the moment. They move between blues, soul, and rock, creating a live performance full of groove, energy, and a dark atmosphere. A concert that evolves live, without formulas or preconceptions.

    Featuring: Panos Katsikogiannis (vocals/guitar), Thanos Zacheilas (keyboards/vocals), Ilias Katis (drums, percussion)
    Where
    Ourani Square

  • Norma will be headlining the late-night street party at Melitzazz 2026, blending melodic techno with ethnic influences. With a DJ set, violin, and saxophone, the trio creates a dynamic, atmospheric live performance dominated by a clean, intense rhythm. A musical journey from West to East, designed to keep the party going until morning!
    Where
    Main Street in Leonidio

  • The Cine-Melitzazz 2026 film festival comes to a close with five final screenings that will bring the community of cinephiles together for yet another shared experience in front of the silver screen:

    • Where You Are and Where You Will Go (26’ – Greece) | Directed by Dimitris Papathanasis
    • Magdalena Hausen: Frozen Time (24’ – Greece) | Directed by Yannis Karpouzis
    • Mitsi (26’ – Greece) | Directed by: Gevi Dimitrakopoulou
    • The Wolves Return (20’ – Greece) | Directed by: Stelios Moraitidis
    Where
    Tsouchlou Mansion

  • ZAGAR will close out the Melitzazz 2026 music program with an explosive live performance where tradition meets rock energy. Bagpipes, bass, drums, and traditional percussion move between Greek and Balkan sounds and original compositions, building rhythmic repetitions that lead to collective intensity and participation.
    A ritualistic experience of dance, liberation, and collective expression, where music becomes a common meeting ground!

    Featuring: Dimitris Sakavalas (gaida/vocals), Anna Papanikolaou (vocals), Petros Tsambarlis (drums), Heracles Zachos (bass/vocals)
    See you there!
    Where
    28 October Square

  • Guided Tours of the Pera Melanon Folklore Collection!

    13 km from Leonidio, a large collection of artifacts that depict the daily life and special moments of the Tsakonians awaits your discovery.
    Contact number: 6934308842 (Milio Kounias)
    Where
    Pera Melana

  • Contact number: 6939104186 (Evangelia Sarri). The Tsitalia Folklore Museum opens its doors to visitors of the Melitzazz Festival, offering a journey into the daily life and history of the village. Housed in the old Tsitalia elementary school (built in 1928), the museum was established in 2008 on the initiative of the Association of Tsitalians Everywhere and thanks to donations of exhibits from the residents. Farm tools, a loom, schoolbooks, household utensils, local traditional costumes, old furniture, photographs, and other exhibits come together to piece together a picture of life in Tsitalia during the last century.

    Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Saturdays and daily (Thursday–Sunday), by appointment
    Where
    Tsitalia

  • The exhibition brings together local and supralocal narratives through photography as a common language of memory, visibility, and participation, exploring the concept of belonging and the relationship between the individual and place.
    Drawing on personal and community photo archives, the exhibition creates a visual dialogue between the past of local communities and contemporary photographic practice.

    Participating photographers: Cloé Kerhoas Özmen, Alessandro Kikinas, Penelope Thomais, Kimon Kaketsis, George Kalkanidis, Mariza Kapsampeli, Kleomenis Koufaliotis, Christos Manioros, Ioannis Paraskevas, Ioanna Hatzialexandrou.
    We extend our warmest thanks to those who shared their personal and family archives with us, providing selected material for the exhibition.
    Where
    Old Leonidio Junior High School

  • Three artists engage with the locale, using their practice as a tool for observation and interaction. The works on display serve as traces of an encounter with the history and heritage of Southern Kynouria.

    Participants: Dimitra Konstantinidi, Haris Rigalos, Stratis Tavlaridis
    In collaboration with the Tsakonia Archive, Christos Nikoloulias (Nikoloulias Silver Workshop), and Elizabeth Rodopoulou (Tsakonian Weavings).

    With the support of the NEON Organization for Culture and Development.
    Where
    Tsikaliotis Tower

  • Discover the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Parnonas Mountain–Akrotiri Malea region! The exhibition presents UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program and the region’s inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
    The exhibition is organized by: OFYPEKA (Organization for the Natural Environment and Climate Change), Parnonas Development Agency S.A., and OikoM Environmental Consulting Ltd. Co. Co-funded by Greece and the European Union.
    Where
    Old Leonidio High School (Headquarters of the Parnonas-Malea Biosphere Reserve)

  • Guided tours of Fabrika’s permanent exhibition on the history and traditions of the Tsakonia region.
    Where
    Culture Factory (Fabrika)

  • Guided tours of the permanent exhibition on the architecture of Tsakonia at the Tsikaliotis Tower.
    Where
    Tsikaliotis Tower

  • Exhibition of carpets woven in the Tsakonian style. Organized by: Tsakonia Archive, www.tsakonianarchives.gr
    Where
    Tsouchlou Mansion

  • Guided tours of the “Parnonas Wildlife Information Center,” formerly the Vaskina Elementary School.
    Where
    "Parnonas Wildlife Information Center," formerly the Vaskina Elementary School

  • An exhibition and booths featuring tastings and samples of various traditional products from Tsakonia and guest regions. Plus books, jewelry, handicrafts, and more.
    Where
    Main Street in Leonidio

  • Τοίχος αναρρίχησης για τους μικρούς μας φίλους, με φόντο τον Κοκκινόβραχο και το αναρριχητικό πάρκο Λεωνιδίου. Από την ομάδα αναρριχητών του Συλλόγου Σπηλαιολόγων Ορειβατών Κυνουρίας (Σ.Ο.Κ.)
    www.sokynourias.gr
    Where
    Piazza Martano - Culture Factory

  • Portraits—in action—of community members and a presentation of the results of the initiative for citizen participation in the Local Urban Plan (LUP) of the Municipality of South Kynouria.

    In connection with the Local Urban Plan of South Kynouria, the local SIKRUKU team organized a series of participatory activities and workshops in all communities of the municipality. The portraits in the exhibition are snapshots—captured in action—of these workshops and highlight the citizens’ willingness to participate in shaping their local area. The exhibition functions as a “vision in progress”: a symbolic gathering of the entire municipality in a shared space, as well as a call to continue an ongoing dialogue. Our goal is to give voice to the residents’ lived knowledge, so that the transformations of the space—from the architectural scale to urban planning—emerge through vibrant collective processes of creation and fermentation.

    Organized by: Sikruku Group, www.sikruku.gr
    Where
    Varnava's Old Pharmacy, Ano Agora


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About the Event

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The Melitzazz Festival aims to showcase and promote the rich cultural heritage of Tsakonia in a modern and creative way. History, tradition, architecture, the Tsakonian dialect, weaving, and Tsakonian dance intertwine with traditional and contemporary music, events, culinary experiences, workshops, seminars, and film screenings. Scattered events and street concert stages stretch through the alleys and squares of Leonidio. In the town’s architecturally distinctive mansions and tower houses, visitors can explore historical exhibitions and installations, contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and film screenings.

Leonidio

© Melitzazz 2026 - Festival @ Leonidio