About Tyros

• The History of Tyros
• The Tsakonica Language
• Facts about Tyros

Getting to Tyros

• Directions to Tyros
• Transport
• Maps

Useful Information

• Contact Numbers
• Where to Stay
• Festivals & Events
  

Photos

• Photos of Tyros
• Photos of Ano Tyros
• Photos of the Area
• Photos of Leonidion

Contact Us

• Contact Nigel Copage

Each church in Greece is devoted to a particular saint and has a festival (panegyri) on its Saints Day. As well as the religious celebration it may involve eating, drinking, dancing and often a small fair.

Local church festivals in the area include:

8th May Aghios Christophoros - Zaritsi Beach (5km before Tyros)
17th July Aghia Marina - Tyros
6th August Metamorphosis Sotiris - Tyros

At Easter, the major festival of the year in Greece, celebrations include the lighting of large brightly coloured hot-air balloons in Leonidion which soar several hundred metres into air. This tradition is unique to Tsakonia and is a spectacle well worth seeing. Tyros also has its own special Easter celebrations including the burning of an effigy of Judas on a raft near the harbour.

Around the first week of July the Melijazz festival is held in Leonidion. This unique event, dedicated to the famous Leonidion eggplant, celebrates both local culinary tastes and music from around the world. It also showcases the Tsakonian language, music and dances which have ancient roots in the Doric culture.

You might also want to catch the festival of the Tsakoniki Eggpant (Aubergine) which is held in Leonidion around the 22nd August. Local women enter eggplant dishes in a competition judged by renowned chefs from France, England and the US. Traditional Tsakonika dances are also staged during this festival.

Towards the end of July the Paratyro festival is held in Tyros. Described as an "open art experience" Paratyro involves a range of activities including music events, dancing, scuba diving, stand-up comedy (in Greek), guided walks, aqua yoga, open air cinema, Pilates and various workshops.

The Municipality of Tyros also organises a series of events in August for the local annual festival of Apolloneia - these include concerts, traditional dancing and an annual road race held in May.