Arts and Culture

Every place has its own share of arts and culture. Yes, Rhodes is one of the best here is when it comes to island beauty. With its clear emerald waters and soft light-colored sands, its green forest and steep hills, it is indeed as close as you can get to a paradise. But the good news is that, it is not the only thing that Rhodes has to offer. Considering that it is the place where Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, once stood, Rhodes is at the top of its game in terms of arts and culture.

Rhodes is the home of the Ecofilms Rhodes International Film and Visual Arts Festival—a thematic festival in Greece. Among all the islands in the Mediterranean region and the Balkans, it is the only environmental film festival. The Festival gathers participation of films, either fiction or documentaries. Under documentaries are features encouraging environmental-related issues. Examples of documentaries are those tackling issues about human resources, the built environment, the water, and the wetlands.

The island hosts artistic events all throughout the year. Among these events is the “Sound and Lights”. It a collaboration of performances at the Palace of the Grand Masters. You will experience a trip back into the age of the Knights. One of the most celebrated stories is that of the knights of the Order of St. John. It is narrated in different languages—Greek, English, French, German, Italian, Swedish, and others. Language barrier will never be a problem.

Cultural events are usually organized by the Municipality of Rhodes Cultural Organization. These events varies from music to dance to theater. The International Dance Festival happens every year from the 20th to 30th of August. The International Opera Festival takes place from 20th to 30th of July. The venue of this particular festival is in the courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Master. The Rhodes National Theater is where the International Choir Festival is being held every year. It is attended by choirs around the globe from Wednesday to Sunday a week after Orthodox Easter.

These events are just in the city of Rhodes. Other municipalities has their own cultural events as well. Municipalities like Afandou, Kalithea, and Petaloudes celebrates the World Tourism Day, 27th of September, with a blast—music, dance, food, and fireworks. It is just a right blend of culture and fun.

Aside from cultural events, the islands also celebrates folklore feasts in remembrance to their patron saints. Some of the feats to take note of are: the feast of Aghios Panteleimon (27th of July), Aghios Fanourios (27th of August), Aghia Marina (23rd of August), Aghios Nektarios (9th of October), the Dormition of the Virgin (15th of August), and so much more. These celebrations are looked forward to not only by tourists but by the islanders as well.

Another testimony that Rhodes is rich in culture is its fine museums and classical buildings. These structures are art themselves. Aside from the architecture, they also house other art forms that is a part of Rhodes’ history and culture. These buildings are the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Municipal Art Gallery.