An Evening Under the Olive Tree: A Unique Festival in Naxos

For the third consecutive year, the cultural event “An Evening Under the Olive Tree” was held in Naxos with great success. This year’s theme, “A Perfect Moment,” was inspired by Angelos Sikelianos’ poem “Because I Deeply Glorified.” The goal was to highlight the importance of living life fully, which can be achieved through genuine encounters with art and culture. Against the backdrop of the island’s natural beauty, the festival offered a harmonious blend of music, poetry, literature, and gastronomy, creating a modern experience filled with emotion.

Day 1: Literature and Local Flavors The festival began with the presentation of famous author Victoria Hislop’s latest book, introduced by Nikos Thrasyvoulou in the event titled The Idol. Guests, both locals and visitors, had the chance to enjoy exquisite desserts created by M.O.F. pastry chef Arnaud Larher and talented Naxian pastry chef Maki Mathiasou. Meanwhile, chef Yiannis Oikonomou wowed everyone with an inspired menu featuring exclusively local ingredients from Naxos, offering a culinary feast that complemented discussions about literature and the island’s traditions.

Day 2: Sweet Creations and Culinary Adventures On the second day, participants were treated to a journey into the world of pastry and creation. Award-winning pastry chef Larher visited the Tripodes Gymnasium in Naxos, where he shared his secrets with the students, inspiring them with his warm personality and impressive career. Under the Naxian midday sun, at the port of Agia Anna, top French chef Eulalie Rus and chef Stéphane Jakic prepared fresh seafood by the sea, delivering a creative and original culinary experience to a delighted crowd. That afternoon, children had the chance to craft and paint Cycladic figurines, guided by illustrator Lela Stroutsi.

Day 3: Wine, Cheese, and Music Under the Olive Trees On the third day, attendees were given a tour and treated to lunch at Terra Grazia winery, followed by a visit to the traditional Bampounis family cheese factory where they sampled the renowned cheeses of Naxos. As the sun set in the enchanting landscape of Naxos, beneath the olive trees of the Kambones estate, beloved artists Grigoris Valtinos, Maria Alexiou, Giorgos Pagiatis, Dimitris Kottaridis, and Mikaela Panagiotopoulou delivered moving performances through readings, songs, and music.

Day 4: Culinary Masterpieces and a Musical Finale On the festival’s final day, chef Giorgos Papakostas and pastry chef Arnaud Larher crafted dishes that blended tradition with modern gastronomy at the traditional Potamia watermill, offering a taste experience worthy of Naxos’ rich culinary heritage. In Kambones, the concert by Yiannis Kotsiras, accompanied by Akis Katsoupakis (keyboards), Vangelis Machairas (bouzouki), and Kostas Michalos (guitar), created a magical atmosphere, captivating the audience with melodies that left a lasting impression.

The festival concluded with a candlelit dinner at Tortuga restaurant, honoring the musicians, chefs, and special guests. Local products took center stage, with chef Yiannis Oikonomou curating a menu that took diners on a journey through the authentic flavors of Naxos.

Founder Maria Polykreti expressed her joy and gratitude, saying, “Here in Kambones, where it all began three years ago under the ancient olive trees of my grandfather Nikolaos’ estate, we experienced a magical soulful event. It’s wonderful to see the festival grow and embrace more aspects of our culture, showcasing the beauty and gastronomy of our island in such a meaningful way.”

The participants renewed their commitment for next year, with the organizers promising an even more dynamic cultural event, bringing together tradition and modern culture with unique experiences.

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