Nisyros Geo Festival Promotes UNESCO Geopark Inclusion

Nisyros. Photo source: Nisyros Municipality

The 2nd Geo Festival Nisyros, which kicked off earlier this month, is highlighting the island’s unique geological features in its aim to promote Nisyros Geopark for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

A small island in the Dodecanese, Nisyros is one of Greece’s most significant volcanic fields. With its active volcano, the island serves as a unique outdoor geological museum, offering travelers the opportunity to explore its active craters.

In collaboration with the non-profit organization Rebirth and Progress, the Municipality of Nisyros is currently hosting a series of cultural events focused on nature, the sea, and humanity.

The municipality aim to emphasize the importance of the geopark for the environment by showcasing the island’s unique heritage, traditions, and gastronomy, along with its biodiversity and ecological significance.

Events at Nisyros landmarks

A crater on Nisyros. Photo: Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The festival began on July 9 at the stunning volcano’s caldera with a tribute concert honoring the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. On July 21, Greek singer Marina Satti who represented Greece in the Eurovision contest gave a concert at Nisyros port.

The program of the 2nd Geo Festival Nisyros will continue with traditional and rembetiko (Greek folk music) evenings held in outdoor spaces and village settings. Moreover, an ecological conference will take place in October.

The festival’s highlights include:

– Glykeria concert, July 31, Nisyros port: Known as the “Voice of Greece”, Glykeria will sing some of the best Greek folk songs.

– Traditional paniyiri with Makrides band, August 20, Pali village: Paniyiri, an essential part of Greek summer traditions, will be celebrated in Nisyros with an event featuring the Makrides band, showcasing the island’s unique customs.

– Ifestiada 2024, August 18 to 24, Nisyros Volcano Observatory, 8.30pm: A cinematic tribute to Palestine and human rights.

– Panhellenic Ecology Conference “The Nisyros Geopark”, October 1 to 13: The 34th εcology conference promotes the natural beauty of the island and the contribution of geoparks to sustainable development.

Admission is free to all events.