Regional Unit of Thesprotia: Tradition and contemporary culture
Cultural events, feasts and festivals
In Igoumenitsa and the wider region, cultural events are organised by institutions such as the Municipality, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Thesprotia and the Film Club, as well as local associations. The Cultural Summer of the Municipality stands out, as do the events held in the ancient Theatre of Gitana.
A key institution of the city is the annual Carnival. Events are held over the course of two weeks in many villages and conclude on Clean Monday (the first day of Lent) in Kastri with the re-enactment of the Arvanite Wedding and a feast.
The Souli Festival is held in Souli on the last three days of May, in commemoration of the heroic self-immolation of Samuel the monk and the Souliotes. They include a re-enactment of the blowing up of the fortress of Kougi, a torchlight procession and the lighting of the altar at the monument to the Souliotes. The events conclude with traditional dances.
An institution of the Paramythia region is the Lambovos, the oldest and largest bazaar of Epirus. The annual fair with traders and vendors from all over Greece takes place in early October, attracting crowds of visitors.
An extremely successful event, the Paramythia Festival, was held for the first time in 2024 on the initiative of the Municipality of Souli. It won an award in the Best City Awards 2025 competition. The Paramythia campsite, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, was created for the Festival, hosting major plays, concerts and other cultural events over the course of two weeks in the summer.
