Naxos Festival 2025 Wrap-Up

The Naxos Festival 2025 has drawn to a close, once again transforming Bazeos Tower in Sangri into a cultural landmark. Running from July through October 10, this 24th edition offered visitors a rare blend of art, music, and heritage — all set against the backdrop of one of Naxos’s most historic sites.

Bazeos Tower: A Historic Stage

Just two kilometers from Sangri, the 17th-century Bazeos Tower provided the festival’s central stage. Once a monastery built to defend against pirate raids, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural venue. For a modest entrance fee of €5, visitors explored its atmospheric courtyards and halls, where history and creativity met in perfect balance.

Art Rooted in Tradition

This year’s program placed special emphasis on the island’s Cycladic heritage. Highlights included:

• Threads of Memory – an exhibition celebrating weaving traditions with naturally dyed textiles.

• Hands of Heritage – hands-on workshops in pottery and embroidery, running until October 10.

• Klaus Pfeiffer’s Wings of Icarus – a striking sculpture installation evoking the island’s mythical past.

These exhibitions created a meaningful dialogue between the artisans of Naxos and contemporary artistic expression.

Music and Theatre Under the Stars

The festival’s open-air performances brought unforgettable evenings to life:

• Echoes of the Aegean – concerts blending Greek lyra with Balkan brass.

• A contemporary staging of Medea that used the island’s cliffs as its dramatic backdrop.

• Traditional dance workshops followed by freestyle celebrations.

• A much-talked-about sunset concert mixing electronic sounds with ancient lyre — an event that spread quickly across social media.

Building Cultural Connections

Beyond art and performance, the festival created opportunities for dialogue. Talks on sustainable heritage and Cycladic crafts were paired with tastings of Naxos kitron liqueur, while weaving demonstrations in local venues, such as ELaiolithos Luxury Villa Suites, offered a more intimate cultural experience.

Looking Ahead to 2026

If you missed the Naxos Festival 2025, Bazeos Tower remains open for visits until the end of the season. For those already planning next year’s trip, the 2026 edition promises another inspiring lineup of art, music, and tradition.