Cycladic Gastronomy Festival Nikolaos Tselemedes

What happens at the Festival?

The Festival is not just a food celebration. It’s a meeting of cultures and flavors, where delegations from various Cycladic islands, as well as other regions of Greece and beyond, come to Sifnos to present their traditional dishes, drinks, and customs.

In the central square of Artemonas, each region has its own booth filled with traditional products and delicacies. As you stroll through the booths, you’ll have the chance to taste local appetizers like cheeses, cured meats, traditional dips on crispy rusks, as well as sweets and liqueurs. Representatives from each region welcome visitors with a smile and offer tastings while explaining the secrets behind their recipes.

Every afternoon, at the center of the square, the "Tselementes Kitchen" operates, where delegations from different areas cook their traditional recipes in front of the audience. After the presentation, visitors can sample the prepared dish, discovering new flavors and techniques from different parts of Greece.

One of the most charming and unique moments of the festival is the "Tselementakia." These are children aged 6-12 who participate in cooking games and competitions, dressed in aprons and colorful chef’s hats. It’s an entertaining experience for both the kids and the spectators!

The Festival starts each day at 19:00, with the highlight of the evening arriving at 22:00 when traditional dance groups from various regions take the stage. The crowd gathers in the square to enjoy dances and music from all over Greece, creating a unique atmosphere of joy and festivity.

Entry is free, and all food offered is complimentary!

Parallel events: Culture, tradition, and the sea

The Festival is not limited to flavors. At the same time, cultural events take place throughout Artemonas and other parts of the island.

• Demonstrations of traditional crafts such as pottery and basket weaving, where you can watch artisans create works with their hands.
• A reenactment of a traditional wedding, a unique experience that brings old island customs to life.
• A small market featuring local products from the islands participating in the Festival, where you can purchase unique items directly from producers.
• Photography, painting, and folklore exhibitions hosted in venues such as the Artemonas Primary School, the Sifnos Cultural Center "Marianthi Simou," and the Prokos Foundation.
• Seafood cooking demonstrations! Every morning, by the sea, local associations organize gastronomy presentations where you can watch how traditional recipes are prepared using fresh ingredients. After the demonstration, visitors can enjoy the tastings, often followed by an island-style celebration by the sea!