In 2025, we aim to further develop our pluralistic identity and deepen our interaction with the public and the local community, both at the local and regional level. The Festival will utilize the most important venues in Ierapetra, along with a series of open and indoor spaces across the entire territory of the Lasithi region.

At the heart of our activities will be the interior of the Ierapetra Mosque and our outdoor summer cinema in Mosque Square—a heritage monument of the city that we creatively transform each summer into a screening venue for our cinematic sections: the Greek and International Competitions, the Panorama, the Tributes, and many of our events.

As with every edition, our events will extend across a wide array of venues: the Seafront Cultural Square, where we hold our major packed events, the historic Venetian Fortress of Kales, the modern Minos Amphitheater, the Melina Mercouri Hall, the now-popular Youth Hub, as well as a number of ancient and Byzantine monuments, such as the evocative Roman Granary (recently opened to the public after 2,000 years), the impressive Archaeological Site of Gournia, or the courtyard of the enchanting Church of Panagia Mesochoriani.

Maintaining our regional character, our activities will also travel throughout the Lasithi prefecture—to the iconic Lake of Agios Nikolaos, the Sitia waterfront, and even higher, to the remote mountainous Lasithi Plateau.

With the support of a dedicated and tireless Organizing Team and our volunteer groups, "Ariadne’s Thread" and "Messonas", we will once again work relentlessly to implement our diverse activities, featuring a host of distinguished artists, academics, and emerging creators. All our events are characterized by multimedia diversity, thematic variety, and strong audience interaction, offering a complete artistic and technical experience, rich in sensory impact.

All events are free of charge, accessible to people with disabilities, and ensure equal access to all social groups, regardless of gender, race, or religion.

We will collaborate with local businesses, municipal organizations, cultural associations across Lasithi, and the new creative talent of the city, mobilizing them for another round of dynamic synergy with our Festival—always aiming for their long-term integration into our mission and contributing to the region’s development and its international promotion, especially during a pivotal time for Greek tourism.

As always, our activities follow a dual timeline:

  • The main 20-day Festival period from August 2 to 22, 2025, and

  • The extended local programming period lasting until the end of the year.

Our 2025 program includes 13 multifaceted live events, highlighting their interdisciplinary nature, with this year’s emphasis on:

  • Music,

  • Dance,

  • Poetry,

  • Visual Arts,

  • Archaeology,

  • Gastronomy,

  • Education,

  • Sports,

  • Climate Change,

  • Young Creators, and

  • Lost Traditions.

In addition, we will participate in “2025 Year of Mikis Theodorakis” with a special Tribute to the great Greek composer.

All events will once again be live-streamed through our official website: www.festivalierapetra.gr.

The following pages contain a full breakdown of our 13 events and their timelines, each one designed to offer audiences a holistic experience of culture, education, and entertainment.

At a time when international festivals are called upon to play a crucial role in social development and to reflect cultural diversity and uniqueness, the International Festival of Ierapetra & Awards presents its own vision.

The support of the Ministry of Culture is both an honor and a vital resource for us to continue realizing our dream.
A summer of culture awaits—full of sounds, images, dreams, and colors—from here in the South, to carry us all across the world.

With respect,
Eleni Vlachou
Founder & Artistic Director
International Festival of Ierapetra & Awards