Markatia 2026 festival begins in Patras

The Markatia 2026 festival officially commences in Patras, Greece, featuring a diverse program of cultural and musical events running from Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27. The festivities utilize various local landmarks, including the Roman Stadium, the Mosaic Hub, and local workshops and tanneries.

The opening night features a performance by jazz organist Giorgos Kontrafouris alongside Konstantinos Stouraitis and Jason Wastor at the Roman Stadium. Other scheduled events include a historical tour of the Tendoura Castle-Chachalis tannery, an exhibition of fine arts at Polyedro, and a demonstration of ecclesiastical item design at the Charpopoulos workshop.

Musical highlights continue through the weekend with a Rebetiko performance on the sidewalk of the Camari tannery on Saturday afternoon, followed by a musical setting of C.P. Cavafy's poetry at the Roman Stadium in the evening. All festival events are open to the public with free admission.