Sardine Festival at Skala Kallonis

The annual Sardine Festival at Skala Kallonis goes back at least thirty years honoring one of the most significant institutions of the island of Lesvos, namely the local production of papalines (sardines). Held in either of the first two weekends in August, the Festival lasts for three days. The sardines fished in the Kalloni Bay are simply the best in Greece. Visitors from all over Greece and abroad crowd the festival grounds to enjoy free-of-charge this delicious product roasted over charcoal or cured, along with a sip of ouzo. Live mainland Greek and local music and dance are the necessary ingredients of this celebration. The Festival is held under the auspices of the Municipality of Western Lesvos, the Kalloni Fishermen’s Association and the Tourist Enterprise Development Association of Kalloni.