With the support of the Region of Crete, the Yakinthia Festival 2026 in Anogeia is dedicated this year to the art of weaving and the women who kept this tradition alive. The event honors Ermioni Xylouri–Kalomiri, one of the last great weavers of the village.
On July 24 and 25, at the Saint Hyacinth Theatre, visitors can experience a special two-day program where tradition meets music, theatre, and contemporary art. The presence of 90-year-old Ermioni at her loom highlights a living tradition passed down through generations of women in Anogeia.
The program includes a concert by Vasilis Lekkas with guest Eleni Vardoulaki, a presentation on the history of local weaving, a theatrical monologue, and musical performances by well-known Greek artists.
Visitors can also enjoy parallel activities such as an outdoor exhibition of traditional textiles, an art exhibition featuring thread portraits, film screenings about weaving, and events focused on local products from Psiloritis.
The festival concludes on August 5 with a screening of the film “Kapodistrias” by director Yannis Smaragdis, who will be present at the event.
Yakinthia is one of Crete’s most important cultural festivals, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the island’s heritage, traditions, and artistic expression.
Detailed program:
