Panygiri in Old Vlahata, 20 July 2025 at Kefalonia – A Magical Night of Tradition and Togetherness 🎶
Two nights ago, the atmospheric ruins of Old Vlahata were once again filled with life, laughter, and music during the Panigyri festival – a celebration that felt like a portal to our childhood summers.
Organized by the same dedicated team behind the beloved Saristra Festival, this event continues their mission: to breathe energy into this unique place while reviving the musical tradition of all Greece.
🌿 Traditional Music – Raw, Rare, and Real
This year’s feast featured two outstanding live acts that stirred hearts and moved feet:
🎼 Θραξ Πανκc (Thrax Punks) – A group that blends traditional rhythms with a fresh, raw energy, offering an experimental, psychedelic, punk take on folk music. With instruments like Davul, Thracian Lyre, Elecric Guitar, Gaida, Kaval, Zurna, they stay rooted in the traditional sound while bringing an almost punk-like intensity and joy to the stage.
🪕 Γκιντίκι (Gidiki) – Known for their infectious energy and dedication to traditional music from all over Greece, Gidiki takes you on a journey through forgotten villages and mountain paths, playing with clarinet, violin, percussion, lute, bagpipes, upright bass and guitar. and more. Their performances are a celebration of connection – between people, places, and generations.
🎻 Last year’s guests, Kadinelia, set a high bar by bringing rare instruments and music from across Greece. This year, the tradition continued with just as much passion and authenticity –
As traditional instruments are increasingly replaced, these performances rekindled the genuine soul of Greek music.
Dancing Like We Used To
What made the night truly unforgettable wasn’t just the music — it was the people. Strangers became companions, dancing hand in hand beneath a sky full of stars, wrapped in the magic of an old village coming back to life. Surrounded by the quiet whispers of the past, the square of Saristra transformed into a true panigiri — the kind that once defined our childhood summers and still lingers in our hearts.
✨ Among the stone walls and winding paths of the village, visitors could also witness the enchanting woodcraft of local artisan Kostas Annikas, whose skilled hands give new life to peaces of wood. Nearby, the evocative photography exhibition “Petra & Nero” (Stone and Water) by Katerina Svoronou captured the deep connection between inner and out of the past and the present.
In a time when moments like these seem rare, Old Vlahata reminded us they are still possible — found in the beat of a drum, the joy of a circle dance, and the shared rhythm that brings us together.
💛 Thank you to everyone who made this night come alive. Until next time, magical Old Vlahata…
For more events from the organizers visit Saristra Festival fb page.
🎥 Catch a glimpse of the magic in my short video