Customs
and religion were ingrained in Arcadia from antiquity. Arcadian feasts
in particular, were always reflecting local culture and social life in
a special manner, that was strongly connected to local history, economy
and mountainy life conditions of the region.
In our days Arcadia is famous for its numerous and important feasts, festivals
and celebrations. Some of them maintain a traditional character, while
others are dedicated to local or national anniversaries.
It is worthy to say that about any arcadian village or city has its own
local festival, the so called "panegyri", usally related to
a religious celebrartion dedicated to the local saint. Reference points
of these festivals are "metropolitan" churches or even country
churches, usually standing on the sum of a mount or hill, in the countryside
and surrounded by an idyllic -typically arcadian- landscape. Most festivals
comme from the very past, enen from the ancient times, when they were
outstanding social events for rural population. Especially since 17th
century festivals were of exceptional social character, giving rise to
entertainment, religious faith and commersial exchanges for the highlander
Arcadians.
Even up to our days their glamour is preserved, in many cases, in many
locations. Though mixed with contempory elements and vitiations, arcadian
feasts are persisting to attract native people and many visitors as well.
Serving as a meeting point among compatriots coming from all over the
world...
Local festivals (“panegyria”) are held especially in the summer, when
many Arcadians living in Greece - mainly in Athens - and abroad visit
Arcadia. In particular, the most important ones take part on Assumption
(August 15), the most prevalent religious feast in Arcadia.
Tripolis
Tripolis is famous for the traditional manner in witch it celebrates Easter. The Municipality and several local associations organize various events in the center of the city. According to the local custom, special kiosks housig rotiseries (the famous "psitaries") are installed on different locations in the city's center. During Easter Sunday they rerve wine, easter eggs and baked lamb to visitors.
A day before, a big fire holds on Areos Square to coal the central municipal kiosk. Its smoke covers a part of the city. During Easter Sunday traditional dancings and music, fireworks and various other events take part on Areos square.
Tripolis celebrates by a special and ceremonial manner its anniversary of liberation from Ottoman Rule on September 23. Celebrations take place mostly on Areos square and include various events, as parade, traditional dancings and fireworks. Various other events, like discourses and expositions, are also held on Areos square and at the "Apostolopouleion" Cultural Center of the city.
Leonidio
An other Arcadian city with a nice reputation for its traditional and Easter is Leonidio, where decades of splendid small aerostats are lanched at the night of the holy Sunday.
Tegea
At Episkopi (district of ancient Episcope) of Tegea holds an important seven-day festival, in the middle of August, during the celebration of Assumption. It is the beautiful Byzantine church of Virgin Mary, inside the archaelogical site of Episkopi, that celebrates.
The festival has a religious and commercial character and it is recognized as the most important one in Pelloponesos. Various events are organized, including a commercial and agricultural expositition, traditional dancings, field and track events ("Alaiea games") etc.
Astros
In Astros holds the three-day Panegyri "tis Analepseos" and, another, on the Friday following Easter Sunday to mark the anniversary of the Second National Assembly of 1823.
Megalopolis
In Megalopolis a cultural festival is organized in August 15-17, including theater stages, concerts, traditional dancings, discourses.
Every 4 years various athletic and cultural events, named LYKAIA, are held on Lykaion mount, near Megalopolis, by the end of July. It concerns the survival of the well known ancient Lykaia Games.
Asea
Asea holds a cultural festival in August, including concerts, traditional dancings etc.
Dimitsana
Dimitsana celebrates Agia Kyriaki on July 7.
Lagadia
Lagadia holds a music festival in August. It includes a contest of traditional songs, traditional dancings and other events.
Tropaia
Tropaia and Vyziki hold celebrations at the Fort of Akova in August.
Dyrrachio
The village Dyrrachio celebrates the Exodus of Papaflessa in August.
