A unique international music forum that transcends musical genres, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kastellorizo.
The Near & Far Kastellorizo International Festival, the only festival in the world dedicated to the Greek diaspora, returns for its second edition from 25–28 June 2026, transforming Kastellorizo into a vibrant meeting point of cultures, people, and shared experiences.
This four-day multidisciplinary cultural festival builds bridges between “Near” and “Far”—between Greece and the Greek diaspora, the local and the international, art and society.
The festival was inspired by internationally acclaimed artist Pericles Kanaris, whose long career in New York and unwavering vision of creating a platform for successful Greek artists around the world has now become a reality.
Following the highly successful inaugural edition in 2025, the Near & Far Kastellorizo International Festival returns with a stronger identity and an even more expanded artistic program.
Last year’s festival stood out for the exceptional quality of its participants, the meeting of diverse musical traditions, and above all, the moving participation of the children of Kastellorizo—a legacy that continues this year. At the same time, the festival reached audiences beyond its geographical borders through its worldwide radio broadcast on Voice of Greece (ERT), significantly strengthening its international profile.
In 2026, the festival aims even higher by bringing the Kastellorizo experience to audiences around the world through live streaming, creating new connections between the Greek diaspora and an international audience in real time.
Concert Programme | Four Themed Nights
Thursday, 25 June | 9:00 PM
Bridges — ERINI
“Light: An Asian Story”
ERINI, a U.S.-based artist with roots in Crete and Anatolia, presents a musical journey that blends tradition with contemporary influences in collaboration with musicians from Greece.
Friday, 26 June | 9:00 PM
Far Voices — Marios Toumbas Jazz Trio
“Sunrise”
Pianist Marios Toumbas and his jazz trio present an evening of original compositions and jazz standards, where the universal language of jazz meets global musical influences.
Saturday, 27 June | 9:00 PM
Together — Pericles Kanaris Quartet, Andriana Babali, George Karavelatzis & Kastellorizo Kids
Featuring original compositions and orchestrations by Pericles Kanaris, this special performance brings together the children of Kastellorizo alongside acclaimed singer Andriana Babali and George Karavelatzis, an oud virtuoso specializing in Kastellorizo’s local musical traditions.
Sunday, 28 June | 9:00 PM
Near Roots — Costa Latsos
“Grandfather’s Gramophone”
Tenor Costa Latsos, born in Australia to a Kastellorizian family and now based in Berlin, joins accordionist Thanos Stavridis for a performance that moves seamlessly between opera, Broadway, and crossover repertoire.
Workshops, Activities & Parallel Programme
The Near & Far Kastellorizo International Festival extends beyond concerts by offering educational, experiential, and interactive activities for participants of all ages.
Educational & Creative Workshops (Children)
- Interactive Painting Workshop with Heike Kummer (25 June)
- Music Workshop with Marios Toumbas (26 June)
Wellness & Experiential Activities
- Meditation & Sound Healing Sessions for Adults (27 & 28 June)
Lectures
- Alexandros Kitroeff – The Greek Diaspora (27 June)
All concerts and festival activities are free of charge.
Near & Far Kastellorizo International Festival 2026
25–28 June 2026
Kastellorizo (Megisti), Greece
Official Website: https://nearfarfestival.org/
The festival is jointly organized by Manolia Art NPO and the Municipality of Megisti, in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad).
