And this year, throughout the entire festive period, the Magical Lake City will be in operation!
Festive Program ‘8 by 8’
December 8, 2023 – January 8, 2024
Friday, December 8
Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Featuring: Children’s Choir of the Youth Center of the Holy Metropolis of Kastoria, Music School of Kastoria, and Cultural Associations: ‘Omonia’ & ‘M/S Harmony’
Omonia Square
Time: 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 9
Children’s happening: colorful smile
at the themed Park ‘Magical Lake City.’
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, December 10
Thematic tour in the neighborhood of Apozari
Time: 12:00 PM
Meeting Point: Courtyard of the Town Hall
Duration: 1 hour & 30 minutes
Sunday, December 10
Opening of the themed park ‘Magical Lake City’
Wishing Lanterns
Time: 7:00 PM”
Thursday, December 14, at 8:30 PM
Concert at the themed Park ‘Magical Lake City’
featuring the singer Josephine.
With Dimitris Theodosiadis.
Saturday, December 16, at 12:00 PM
Children’s happening: animation at the themed Park ‘Magical Lake City’
Saturday, December 16, at 5:00 PM
Children’s happening: Christmas Story by Charles Dickens
at the Youth Center of the Holy Metropolis of Kastoria, Omonia neighborhood
Sunday, December 17, at 12:00 PM
Children’s happening: animation at the themed Park ‘Magical Lake City’
Sunday, December 17, at 12:00 PM
Musical children’s performance ‘Santa Claus Rehearses’
at the Municipal Conservatory ‘Dimitrios Bairaktaris & Soultana Petsalnikou Bairaktari’
Saturday, December 23, at 12:00 PM
Street saxophone music
at the pedestrian walkway of Mayor V. Nikidis, Ptolemaion & Archimidos.
Accompanied by performers.”
Sunday, December 24, at 12:00 PM
Children’s happening: Illusions magic show
Magician at the themed park ‘Magical Lake City’
Sunday, December 24, at 12:00 PM
Street saxophone music
at the pedestrian walkway of Str. Arti & Ermou.
Accompanied by performers.
Sunday, December 24, at 9:00 PM
Street Party at the pedestrian walkway of Thomaidos Libania-Manos
(Fisherman’s Wharf area)
featuring the musical band Aladala band
Tuesday, December 26, at 12:00 PM
Children’s happening: Illusions magic show
Magician at Apozari Square (Nikis Avenue, northern beach)
Accompanied by performers.
Thursday, December 28, at 12:00 PM
Children’s happening: Illusions magic show
Magician at Afioi Emmanouil Square (Doltsos neighborhood)
Accompanied by performers.
Thursday, December 28, at 7:00 PM
Musical event – One guy stand live
Afioi Emmanouil Square (Doltsos neighborhood)
Saturday, December 30, at 12:00 PM
Street saxophone music
at the pedestrian walkways: Mayor V. Nikidis, Ptolemaion, Archimidos & Str. Arti & Ermou
Accompanied by performers.
Saturday, December 30, at 1:00 PM
Children’s happening: Santa Claus comes from above.
In collaboration with the Voluntary Disaster Response Team (V.D.R.T.) of Kastoria, at the atrium of Kastoria’s commercial center
Sunday, December 31, starting at 11:00 PM
New Year’s Eve Celebration at ‘Afioi Emmanouil’ Square (Doltsos neighborhood)
featuring the musical band One Take Productions.”
Thematic Guided Tours
Sunday, December 10th, District of Apozari (12:00-13:30)
Meeting point: Municipality Courtyard
Places of visit: Justinian Walls, Christopoulou Street, Holy Church of Agios Nikolaos Tzotza (Byzantine monument), Tsitsiapa Mansion, Holy Church of Agioi Anargyroi (Byzantine monument).
Saturday, December 16th, Districts: Omonia & Dolcho (12:00-13:30)
Meeting point: Omonia Square
Places of visit: Church of Panagia Koubelidiki, Agios Athanasios Mouzakis, Vergou Mansion, Church of Agia Paraskevi
Sunday, December 17th, District of Dolcho (12:00-13:30)
Meeting point: Emmanouil Brothers Square
Places of visit: Church of Panagia Rasiotissa – Vlahernas, Church of Agios Nikolaos Karydi, Basara Mansion
Saturday, December 23rd, Byzantine Museum (11:00-12:30)
Meeting point: Byzantine Museum of Kastoria
Places of visit: Interior and exterior spaces of the Byzantine Museum
Saturday, December 23rd, District of Apozari (13:00-14:30)
Meeting point: Municipality Courtyard
Places of visit: Justinian Walls, Christopoulou Street, Church of Agios Nikolaos Tzotza, Tsitsiapa Mansion, Church of Theotokos Entrance
Sunday, December 24th, Districts: Omonia & Lake Orestiada (12:00-13:30)
Meeting point: Omonia Square
Places of visit: Church of Panagia Koubelidiki, Agia Triada, Taxiarchis Mitropoleos, lakeside area “Stavros”
Tuesday, December 26th, District of Dolcho (12:00-13:30)
Meeting point: Emmanouil Brothers Square
Places of visit: Church of Panagia Rasiotissa – Vlahernas, Church of Agios Andreas, Basara Mansion
Parallel Events
Saturday, December 16
Music carnival event by the Carnival Association “Kastorianá Bouloúkia” at Irene Square, 6:00 PM.
Sunday, December 17
- Pig Roast, a festival celebrating the piglet, featuring traditional music by the Cultural Association of Apozari at the homonymous square (L. Nikis, north beach), 11:30 AM.
- Piglet festival by the External Cultural Association of Kallithea at the association’s venue, 2:00 PM.
Wednesday, December 20
Musical performance by the Music School of Kastoria at OLYMPION Cinema, 6:30 PM.
Friday, December 22
Christmas event by the Association “KELETRON Love for the Child” and the Cultural Association of Ergatikon Katikion, at the Ergatikon Katikion Association offices, 6:00 PM.
Saturday, December 23
- Distribution of hot beverages by the Voluntary Department for Disaster Relief (ETAK) on Ath. Diakou Street (opposite K.A.P.I.), 10:00 AM.
- Traditional Christmas Carols by the Cultural Association of Dailaki “Progress” in the same neighborhood, starting at 4:30 PM.
- Traditional Christmas Carols by the Cultural Association of Apozari in the same neighborhood, starting at 5:00 PM.
- Kastorian Carols by the Kastoria Scholarships Association in the city neighborhoods, 6:00 PM.
- Traditional Kastorian Carols by the Music-Philological Association “HARMONIA” in the Omonia area, starting at 8:00 PM.
Sunday, December 24
- Christmas Carols by the External Cultural Association of Kallithea, 3:00 PM.
Thursday, December 28
- Children’s Christmas celebration by the Cultural Association of Dailaki “Progress” at the Dailaki Cultural Center, 6:00 PM.
- Offering of Cigars and Wine by the Cultural Association LYV in the LYV Association hall (children’s playground), 7:00 PM.
- Bazaar by the Cultural Association of Ergatikon Katikion and the Center “KELETRON Love for the Child – Actions for Humanity” at the Commercial Center of Kastoria during business hours.
Friday, December 29
Bazaar by the Cultural External Association of Ergatikon Katikion and the Center “KELETRON Love for the Child – Actions for Humanity” at the Commercial Center of Kastoria during business hours.
Saturday, December 30
- Children’s celebration by the External Cultural Association of Kallithea. Santa Claus distributing gifts at the association’s hall in Kallithea, 4:00 PM.
- New Year’s Children’s Party by the Cultural Association of Ergatikon Katikion “KELETRON” and the Center “KELETRON Love for the Child – Actions for Humanity” in the late afternoon.
Sunday, December 31
- New Year’s meal of love by the Cultural Association of Ergatikon Katikion “KELETRON” and the Center “KELETRON Love for the Child – Actions for Humanity,” followed by New Year’s Carols in the settlements of the Ergatikon Katikion in the wider area of Chloe, 1:00 PM.
Regional Events
Saturday, November 25
Decoration of Mavrochori Community by the Cultural Association of Mavrochori “Inspired” and the Local Community Council of Mavrochori.
Saturday, December 2
- Tsipouro festival at the cauldrons of Lithi Community by the Cultural Association of Lithi “Agia Paraskevi” and a contest for the best Tsipouro, 5:00 PM.
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Mavrochori Square accompanied by music by the Cultural Association “Vasileios Doikos” and ensemble, by the Cultural Association of Mavrochori “Inspired,” 7:00 PM.
Sunday, December 3
Festive event by the Cultural Association of Poria for the Elderly at the Association’s building in Poria, 5:00 PM.
Friday, December 8
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the Local Community of Toichio, with music, Christmas games, and many surprises at Toichio Square, 9:00 PM.
Saturday, December 9
- Christmas event and lighting of the Christmas Tree at Mesopotamia Square by the Women’s Association of Mesopotamia, 6:00 PM.
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the Cultural Association “Agios Dionysios” of Korissos and the Local Community Council of Korissos at the central square of the Community, 7:00 PM.
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Maniakon Community at the Black Mountain area by the Environmental Friends Association of Maniakon, 7:00 PM.
Sunday, December 10
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the square of the Dispilio Community by the Cultural Association of Dispilio, with traditional snacks and wine, 6:00 PM.
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the central square of the Chiliodendro Community, 6:00 PM.
Friday, December 15
Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the Community of Pentavryso at the Hero of the Community square, with collaboration from its associations. Featuring music, animations, wine, chestnuts, sweets, and gifts for children from Santa Claus. Earlier, children will decorate the village, 7:00 PM.
Saturday, December 16
- Christmas event for children by the Cultural-Educational Association of Vasileiada at the hall of the Cultural Center of Vasileiada, 6:00 PM.
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the central square of Maniakon (Nea Zouzouli Square) by the Local Community of Maniakon with participation from cultural, sports, and parent associations of the area, 7:00 PM.
Thursday, December 21
- Christmas dance by the Cultural Association of Polykarpi “Creation,” 11:00 PM.
Friday, December 22
- Formal decoration of the Christmas Tree in the Toichio Community by students from the Elementary and Kindergarten of Toichio in collaboration with their school teachers, 11:00 AM.
Saturday, December 23th:
- Traditional carols, lighting of the boubouna (traditional Greek Christmas firecracker), music, offering of local delicacies such as tsigarides and fasolada, at the Community of Gavros, in the courtyard next to the Community Center, organized by the Women’s Association of Koristion in collaboration with the Community, starting at 4:00 PM.
- Traditional Carols by the Cultural-Folklore Association of Women in Toichio, at the Community of Toichio, at 4:00 PM.
- Carols in the neighborhoods of the Community of Polykarpi by the Cultural Association of Polykarpi “Creation,” starting at 4:00 PM.
- Carols in the neighborhoods of the Community of Dispyli by the Cultural Association of Dispyli, accompanied by a traditional orchestra, starting from the community square at 4:00 PM.
- Carols in the Community of Mavrochorio by the Cultural Association of Mavrochorio “Inspired.” Starting from the Youth Center at 5:00 PM.
- Carols in the neighborhoods of the Community of Maniakon by the Exoraïstikos Cultural Association of Maniakon “Agia Paraskevi,” at 5:00 PM.
- Christmas tree decoration by the Local Council of the Community of Vasiliada and the Cultural Association, at 6:00 PM.
- Traditional custom “Kolendtes 2023” in the neighborhoods of the Community of Korisou by the Cultural Association “Agios Dionysios” and the Local Council of the Community of Korisou, at 7:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna (Kolendas) in the square of the Community of Makrochori by the Exoraïstikos Association “Agios Nikolaos,” at 7:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna in the settlement of Verga, Community of Vasiliada, at 7:00 PM.
- “Kolendas” and lighting of the boubouna by the Traditional Dance Association of Mesopotamia “Agios Dimitrios” near the Holy Temple of Konstantinos & Eleni, at 7:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna in the Community of Melissotopos, at 7:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna near the stone building in Chiliodendro by the Community of Chiliodendro and the Cultural Association of Chiliodendro, at 7:30 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna in the Community of Halaras, near the Community Office, at 8:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna in the Community of Vissinias, at 8:00 PM.
- Traditional Gouronohara and lighting of the boubouna in Aposkepos Square by the Exoraïstikos Cultural Association of Aposkepos, at 8:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna in the square of the Community of Metamorfosis by the Cultural Association of Metamorfosis, with wine and tsigarides, at 8:00 PM.
- Lighting of the Christmas tree in the square of the Community of Lithia by the Cultural Association of Lithia, at 8:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna by the Cultural Association of Kolokythous in Kolokythous Square, at 8:30 PM.
- Lighting of the ‘Paleskas’ fire in the square of the Community of Toichio. Traditional carols in the streets of Toichio by all the associations of the area, culminating in the square with offerings of tsigarides, wine, and traditional delicacies from the Cultural-Folklore Association of Women in Toichio, music, dances, and a children’s choir from the school, with the assistance of the Community of Toichio, at 9:00 PM.
- Lighting of the boubouna in the Community of Stavropotamos, at 9:00 PM.
- ‘Kolendtes’ in the Community of Lithia in various neighborhoods RINTO and KAZANIA LITHIAS by the Cultural Association of Lithia “Agia Paraskevi,” at 11:30 PM.
Sunday, December 24th:
Christmas carols by the Exoraïstikos Association of Agios Antonios in the Community of Agios Antonios, at 5:00 PM.
Monday, December 25th:
Christmas dance evening by the Cultural Association of Mavrochorio “Inspired,” at 9:00 PM.
Wednesday, December 27th:
Lighting of the boubouna and traditional tsigarides by the Cultural Association of Poria in the courtyard of the Poria Association, at 6:00 PM.
Thursday, December 28th:
Children’s party with face painting at the Youth Center of Mavrochorio by the Cultural Association of Mavrochorio “Inspired,” at 6:00 PM.
Friday, December 29th:
- Children’s Party with clown Petros by the Cultural Association of Polykarpi “Creation” at the old primary school of Polykarpi, at 5:00 PM.
- New Year’s celebration with music and delicacies by the Cultural Association of Maniakon “Agia Paraskevi” at the old stone Primary School of Maniakon, at 6:00 PM.
Saturday, December 30th:
- Children’s party in the square of the Community of Oinoi by the Community of Oinoi and the Cultural-Athletic Association of Oinoi, at 4:00 PM.
- Gifts from Santa Claus to all schoolchildren by the Women’s Association of Toichio. Celebratory party for children, clown, treats, music in the square of Toichio, at 7:00 PM.
- Children’s event “Santa Claus gives gifts to children” at the Stone Building of Chiliodendro by the Cultural Association of Chiliodendro and the Community of Chiliodendro, at 7:00 PM.
- Children’s theater performance at the Youth Center of Mavrochorio by the Cultural Association of Mavrochorio “Inspired,” at 7:30 PM.
Sunday, December 31st:
- Carols with a traditional orchestra in the streets of the Community of Maniakon by the Cultural Association of Maniakon “Agia Paraskevi,” at 10:30 AM.
- Festive gathering, offering of delicacies (patsas & wine) in the square of the Community of Kleisoura after the Divine Liturgy.
- Children’s Carnival in the square of the Community of Makrochorio, at 11:00 AM.
- New Year’s reception in the square of Dispyli. Santa Claus distributes gifts to the children of the Community. Offering of treats, tsigarides, patsas, and wine. Organization: Cultural Association of Dispyli Kastoria, starting at 4:00 PM.
- Traditional carols with the accompaniment of a traditional orchestra in the Community of Mavrochorio by the Cultural Association of Mavrochorio “Inspired,” at 5:00 PM.
- Groups of carnival participants in the neighborhoods of the Community of Korisou, at 6:00 PM.
- New Year’s Eve in Mavrochorio Square with music, wine, and delicacies from the Local Council of the Community of Mavrochorio, at 11:30 PM.
Saturday, January 6, and Sunday, January 7 “Kastorian Ragoutsaria”
Groups of carnival participants on the city streets.
Monday, January 8 “Kastorian Ragoutsaria”
Carnival parade, starting at 14:00.
Starting point: Courtyard area of the Town Hall, through Metropoleos street to Omonia Square, ending at “Afioi Emmanouil” Square (Doltsos neighborhood).
PARALLEL EVENTS
Thursday, January 4
- Musical happening by the group “X.E.R.K.A.T.” (Jovial Amateur Kastorian Tsipouro Producers) at Metropoleos Street 108 (near Omonia Square).
- Metropoleos Celebration (on Metropoleos Street 88) by the Cultural Association “Tsarsi,” at 20:00.
Friday, January 5
- Fasolada Feast by the Cultural Association of Aposari at Aposari Square, at 11:00 AM.
- 8th Balkan Music Festival at Panagia Koubelidiki Square by the Cultural Association “Tsarsi,” at 19:30.
- Musical gathering in collaboration with the Carnival Association “The Kastorian Boulokia.”
Starting Locations & Times:
1st group: Kyknon Avenue (shopping center), 19:30.
2nd group: Eirinis Square, 19:30.
3rd group: South Beach (at the height of M. Alexandrou & Orestou), 19:30.
Gathering: Courtyard area of the Town Hall at 21:00, then proceeding via Metropoleos street to Omonia Square.
Saturday, January 6th (Theophany)
“Suare Ragoutsaria” by the group “Betskes Company” in the area of Kounies (southern beach), at 2:00 PM.
Sunday, January 7th
- Traditional Carnival in Aposkepos Square, organized by the Cultural Association of Aposkepos, at 11:00 AM.
- “Gourounochara,” a celebration of smoked pork and revelry by the Cultural Association of Ntailaki “Progress” at the Ntailaki Cultural Center, starting at 3:00 PM.
Monday, January 1
- Traditional carnival of the Kleisoura Community “Argoutsaria” at the central square, start time: after the divine liturgy.
- Carols throughout Mavrochori accompanied by a traditional orchestra to welcome the New Year by the Cultural Association “Empnoos” of Mavrochori, after the divine liturgy.
- Cutting of the New Year’s pie by the cultural association “Agios Dionysios” and the local council of the Korysi Community at the reception hall of the Holy Temple of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, after the divine liturgy.
- Carnival of the Makrochori Community – Carnival parade in the community square, starting at 11:00 AM.
- Cigarette Feast, followed by Santa Claus distributing gifts to children by the Cultural Association “Creation” of Polykarpi in the Polykarpi Community square, starting at 4:00 PM.
Tuesday, January 2
- Carnival of the Mavrochori Community – Carnival parade, starting at 2:00 PM.
- Cigarette Feast by the Cultural Association of Agia Kyriaki in the Agia Kyriaki Community square, starting at 2:30 PM.
- Carnival of the Korissos Community “Surva” – Carnival parade on the main road of the community, starting at 3:00 PM.
- Carnival of the Lithia Community “Surva” – Carnival parade in the central square of the community, starting at 4:00 PM.
Saturday, January 6 (Epiphany)
- Cigarette Feast tradition in the Vasilieada Community by the Cultural-Educational Association of Vasilieada at the central square, starting at 11:00 AM.
- Pig Slaughtering in the Fotine Community by the Cultural Association of Fotine at the Cultural Center, at 12:00 PM.
- Pig Slaughtering by the External Association of Agios Antonios in the community square after the cross is thrown into the river, at 12:00 PM.
Sunday, January 7
- Carnival of the Toichio Community – Carnival parade (starting point: cultural center, endpoint: community square), starting at 2:30 PM.
