Tsoula Festival – The summer festival of Astypalea
Starting in the summer of 2025, the “Butterfly of the Aegean” — the unique and enchanting Astypalea — will be transformed into a colorful space for art, music, tradition, and celebration through the Tsoula Festival.
What is the Tsoula Festival?
The name of the festival comes from “Tsoula”, a traditional amulet from Astypalea that women wore on the back of their costumes to protect them from “evil.” Today, this symbol has been transformed into a contemporary means of expression that combines local tradition with urban culture through experiences and creative activities on the island.
The festival is not just a series of concerts — it is a whole experience of life and art throughout Astypalea, with free admission and activities spread across different parts of the island.
What it includes and which artists we saw last year
The Tsoula Festival is a multifaceted celebration that combines:
Music on multiple stages
The island hosts live performances in up to five different venues. Last year’s event featured artists such as Matoula Zamani, Nefeli Fasouli, Nalyssa Green, Skiadareses, Kalogeraki Bros, and Papazó — while Lena Kitsopoulou made a guest appearance with a special live performance of rebetiko and folk songs.
Summer cinema under the stars
In collaboration with the streaming platform Cinobo, films were screened, including Vasilis Kekatos’ first feature film, “Our Wild Days,” accompanied by curated screenings by Thodoris Koutsogiannopoulos.
Art and installations in public spaces
Artists such as Soteur and Harry Rigalo created installations in public spaces and art workshops, while video installations highlighted stories and memories of the island.
Local experiences and special activities
Traditional festivals, culinary workshops with Gogo Delogianni, stand-up comedy with Thomas Zambra, and other activities brought the audience closer to the authentic life and traditions of Astypalea.
Why is it special?
The Tsoula Festival is not just a summer music festival. It is a meeting place for creators and audiences, a place where music, art, tradition, and local culture merge into a unique summer journey of experiences.
Free admission, numerous and varied activities, and a lively sense of participation make it the ideal choice for those who love art, music, and authentic experiences.
After the success and energy of this year’s Tsoula Festival 2025, we are looking forward to the next event in the summer of 2026, with more art, music, and experiences that bring the heart of Astypalea to life — and of course, new surprises in store!
