For the third consecutive year, the Cultural Association of Katalagari continues its annual two-day cultural event at the historic Paliochora Hill, choosing a different theme each year that highlights the area's history, culture and identity.

As part of this year's cultural programme, dedicated to Women, the Association is organising a special two-day cultural celebration on 29 and 30 July 2026, honouring women and their timeless contribution.

In this iconic setting, where history meets nature and culture, women are celebrated as creators, mothers, partners, sources of inspiration and forces of life. Beneath the light of the summer full moon, Paliochora Hill becomes a stage for art and expression, hosting two exceptional evenings that celebrate the female presence through music, poetry and storytelling.

Wednesday, 29 July 2026 | 21:00

Vamos Orchestra – "Genos Thilykou"

The first evening is dedicated to the many dimensions of womanhood. Through a carefully curated musical programme, the Vamos Orchestra presents women both as figures and symbols, as well as an enduring source of inspiration in literature and the arts, while highlighting their vital role in society.

A musical journey filled with strength, sensitivity, creativity, motherhood and social contribution.

Artistic direction and orchestrations: Thanasis Papathanasiou

Performers: Efi Papadopoulou and Alexia Katsanevaki, bringing beloved songs dedicated to the female presence to life.

Thursday, 30 July 2026 | 21:00

"Stin Askianiada tou Eronta"

The second evening reaches its climax with the music and storytelling performance "Stin Askianiada tou Eronta", an original production that explores love and death as the two interconnected aspects of human existence through tradition, music, poetry and history.

The poetry of Stavros Tzanis, the narration of Nikos Sfinias, and the polyphonic performances of the women's vocal ensemble Anemi, accompanied by musician Kostis Kyritsakis, come together to create a unique artistic experience where words, music and the human voice engage in dialogue, searching for the deeper meaning of life, love and memory.

Stage direction: Petros Mavromatidis

Vocal arrangements: Giorgos Vasilakis – Argyro Reppa

Special guest appearance: Asimina Michelakou (dance)

The second evening will begin at 20:00 with an archaeological tour of the historic Paliochora Hill, led by archaeologist Eleni Kanaki, Head of the Department of Byzantine Antiquities and Museums at the Heraklion Ephorate of Antiquities. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the history and the area's most important monuments before the performance begins.

This two-day cultural event aims to establish Paliochora Hill as a meeting point between historical memory and contemporary artistic creation. Through music, poetry, storytelling and direct contact with this historic site, visitors are invited to experience two unforgettable evenings of culture beneath the light of the summer full moon, in a celebration dedicated to women and their timeless contribution to humanity and culture.

Co-organised by: Region of Crete and the Municipality of Archanes–Asterousia

Supported by: Heraklion Ephorate of Antiquities

Medical support: Filios Zeus

Free admission.