Kastellorizo Near & Far Festival draws record crowds in second edition

The second edition of the Near & Far Kastellorizo International Festival concluded successfully on the Dodecanese island of Kastellorizo. The multi‑disciplinary programme featured concerts, educational workshops, lectures, wellness activities and children’s programmes, and attracted a record number of visitors, the highest attendance ever recorded for a cultural event on the island.

Greek officials praised the festival’s role in linking the mainland with the Greek diaspora. Deputy Minister of Culture Iason Fotilas said the event is a historic gesture that offers rather than exploits the island, while Deputy Mayor of Megisti Stratos Amygdalos highlighted its contribution to cultural resilience and diaspora relations. The festival’s artistic director Pericles Kanaris was also commended for bringing music to the remote island.