Siatista Festivities

Try to plan your visit to Siatista according the information given below. A simple trip could become the gateway to a world you didn't know existed, a lifetime experience!

On December 23rd, the shepherds who lit bonfires to announce the birth of Jesus Christ are commemorated.  In the evening, the people of Siatista light bonfires, known as the Kladaries, in the city streets and squares and dance around them to the sound of local instruments (mainly brass), not to mention the heavy wine drinking.  Everybody is welcomed to participate.  The same custom is also followed in other Macedonian cities, for example in Florina.

On the 24th of December, at dawn, children knock on doors with special sticks called "tzoumakes" and sing traditional carols, choosing the version that fits the owners of each house.

On the day of Epiphany, a special festival, the Bouboussaria, is held.  People drink Siatista's wine all day long in the squares and dance a frenzied, truly bacchic dance, called Saint Basil's Dance.   Also here you are welcomed to take part.

On August 15, men riding horses in ornate harness, after staying overnight honouring the icon of the Virgin Mary at the monastery of Mikrokastro, return to the city at noon where they are officially welcomed.  Dancing, drinking and feasting goes on until late in the night

Fairs are held on the Eve of the feast of Saint Paraskevi (July 26), Saint Panteleimon, (July 27), Saint John the Baptist (at Yagovi on August 29).

Finally, during August, a cultural event called the "Siatista Cultural August" is held. During the festival there are performances by local folk groups and groups from other areas of Greece and abroad.