Pre-Festival Events

In collaboration with the Municipality of Heraklion

Heraklion | 29 & 30 July

The pre-festival events begin on Wednesday, 29 July, at 21:30 at the Bethlehem Open-Air Municipal Cinema with a screening of Zorba the Greek, introducing audiences once again to the internationally acclaimed film adaptation of Zorbas.

Admission is free and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Thursday, 30 July, at 09:30, at the Vikelaia Municipal Library, ZorbaTalks: Dialogues of Speech and Art opens a lively discussion between researchers and artists, exploring the many interpretations of the work through an open conversation with the audience. Admission is free.

Main Programme | Myrtia

31 July – 2 August

In Myrtia, the festival unfolds through a series of events that transform the village into a vibrant cultural landscape.

Friday, 31 July

18:30 – Opening of the exhibition "ZORBAS: Words and Images", based on the graphic novel by Antonis Nikolopoulos (Soloúp), in the presence of the creator and curator of the exhibition.

20:00 – Promenade performance "7 Stops Inspired by Zorbas: Charcoal Is Just an Excuse; So That the World Won't Be Scandalised", directed by Konstantinos Tsakirelis. With the participation of a large ensemble of artists, the village lanes are transformed into seven live stages where visitors experience the hero through a journey across the village.

22:30 – Concert by Michalis and Pantelis Kalogerakis, inspired by the writings and correspondence of Nikos Kazantzakis.

Saturday, 1 August

18:30 – Children's treasure hunt through the streets of Myrtia, designed by Soloúp, entitled "The Hunt for the Green Stone."

20:00 – Promenade performance "7 Stops Inspired by Zorbas: Charcoal Is Just an Excuse; So That the World Won't Be Scandalised."

22:30 – Concert by Savina Yannatou & Primavera en Salonico, entitled "On the Feminine Side of the Mediterranean," inspired by the many roles of women in the Mediterranean tradition.

Sunday, 2 August

20:00 – Concert by mezzo-soprano Maria Andrikopoulou, accompanied by Spyros Souladakis on piano, entitled "In Santeza's Courtyard," featuring French melodies and Greek songs from the 1930s, inspired by the character of Madame Hortense.

22:00 – Concert by Giorgis Manolakis – Couleur Locale Trio & Friends, entitled "A Contemporary Reading of Cretan Music," presenting an uncompromising musical universe inspired by the Dionysian spirit of the novel.

The festival seeks to approach Zorbas as a timeless symbol of freedom, creativity, and human expression, while also exploring him as a global cultural phenomenon through different perspectives.

Under the artistic direction of Konstantinos Tsakirelis, the Kazantzakis Museum reintroduces Zorbas to today's audiences, creating an open meeting place for both visitors and artists. With Zorba the Greek (The Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas) at its core, the festival aims to free the hero from the stereotypes with which he has become associated over the years.

Co-organised by: Region of Crete, Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia

In collaboration with: Municipality of Heraklion

Main Sponsor: Evangelos Marinakis

Useful Information

Free shuttle service: Heraklion – Myrtia – Heraklion
Free parking available in Myrtia
The promenade performance is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or children under the age of 5