Local products and festivals of Mykonos island

Mykonos is not only about intense nightlife and whitewashed houses. It is also home of exquisite local products, popular with all the lovers of the Island as well as of traditional festivals and feasts running throughout the year.

LOCAL STAPLES AND FESTIVALS

Among the most savoured Mykonian staples are the homemade sausages of locally bred pork flavored with oregano, allspice, olives and pepper and left to dry in open air. Louza, a cold cut of best quality cured pork fillet, is also an excellent delicacy to accompany red wine gloriously compared to top quality presciuto. Kopanisti is al Mykonian cheese of unique flavor made of cow milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. It is highly appreciated for its sharp, spicy taste and soft texture. It takes months to mature and is protected Denomination of Origin.

Tyrovolia a fresh, soft, saltless cheese is the key ingredient of many local recipes such us the renowned “Kremidopita” an onion pie sometimes enriched with lard.Wonderful deserts adorn the list of local products. Among them are the amigdalota made of almond paste and kalathakia with walnuts and cinnamon flavor.

The traditional Myconian textile hand-loomed by the local women is a typical staple of the island. The woven textile tradition dates back to the medieval times and is preserved to this day. Visitors can find a rich collection of them in the gift shops of the island along with handmade Jewellery.

CULTURAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

In Mykonos, the religious feasts attract the interest of the majority of the visitors. They take place once per year, as an honor to the saints. These feasts can last all night long, including traditional music, dances and an abundance of wine and local delights. When preparing the festivals, the local people revive the old traditions and customs, a really interesting process.

The most popular religious feasts are the following three:

June 30th – The feast is dedicated to the Holy Apostles. It is also the fishermen’s day.

July 26th – The feast is dedicated to Agia Paraskevi

August 15th – This a great feast, which takes place in Ano Mera, a low profile village of the lively island

The cultural events of Mykonos are quite different from the religious feasts. Mykonos is synonymous to the lively atmosphere and the wild parties, so it has the great privilege to organize some exciting events, including theatrical performances, open-air concerts, and art exhibitions. Artists from every corner of the world come to Mykonos to take part in its famous Summer Festival.

Another famous event is the annual Gay Festival, a special event on the island. Thousands of tourists arrive especially for this unique event. In the end, we have the Harvest Festival. The festival takes place in the middle of September at the Agricultural Museum of Mykonos.