The highly successful Near & Far Kastellorizo International Festival—the only event of its kind dedicated to the Greek diaspora worldwide—returns for its second edition from June 25 to 28, 2026, transforming Kastellorizo into a vibrant meeting point of cultures, people, and shared experiences.
This four-day, multidisciplinary celebration of culture bridges “near” and “far,” connecting Greece with its global diaspora, the local with the international, and artistic expression with community life.
Conceived by Pericles Kanaris, an internationally recognized artist with a long-standing career in New York, the festival emerged from a steadfast vision: to create a platform for Greek artists distinguished across the globe.
Following its inaugural edition in 2025—which, according to local authorities, drew record attendance for a cultural event in the island’s history—the festival returns stronger, with a clear identity and an even more expansive program.
Last year’s event stood out for the exceptional caliber of its participants, the fusion of diverse musical worlds, and, above all, the deeply moving involvement of the island’s children—a legacy that continues this year. Its global radio broadcast via Voice of Greece (ERT) extended the festival’s reach far beyond its geographic boundaries, significantly enhancing its international profile.
In 2026, the festival aims even higher, aspiring to bring the Kastellorizo experience to audiences worldwide through live video streaming, fostering new connections with the Greek diaspora and international viewers alike.
A Festival That Connects
At its heart, the Near & Far Kastellorizo International Festival is a meeting ground where art connects people, places, and generations, placing Kastellorizo at the center of a global cultural dialogue.
Bringing together artists from Greece and the diaspora alongside the local community, it continues to build a vibrant, inclusive, and outward-looking cultural tradition.
The festival is co-organized by Manolia Arts AMKE and the Municipality of Megisti, under the auspices and with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
