Soon, on the festival’s pages, visitors will be able to discover the full program of this year’s event: concerts, exhibitions, workshops, screenings, performances, and a multitude of activities that give Melitzazz its unique character every year.

Until then, there is something important worth doing: save the dates in your calendar and organize your accommodation in beautiful South Kynouria early. And of course, just like every year, admission to all festival events remains free, keeping the philosophy of open participation for everyone alive.

The Theme of Melitzazz 2026: “Communities”

This year’s Melitzazz invites us to become part of a great experience of gathering, participation, and coexistence. The central axis of the 2026 event is “Communities” and the multiple forms of collectivity born through everyday life, art, and culture.

Communities of people and nature. Communities dedicated to music, arts, tradition, and contemporary creation.
Communities of visitors and locals who meet, communicate, and co-create.
Communities that transcend geographical boundaries and build bonds through shared experiences and narratives.

Through the 2026 program, the festival attempts to explore the way communities are created, evolve, and maintain their cohesion in a constantly changing world. A world of continuous movement, networking, and cultural interaction.

Melitzazz 2026 is not just a festival. It is an open invitation to participate. A meeting place for people, ideas, and cultures under the summer sky of Leonidio.

In our traditional settlement, Holy Week and the Resurrection are celebrated in a truly unique way and with unprecedented splendor, attracting visitors from every corner of Greece who seek a genuinely authentic experience.

The Devotion of Holy Week

Throughout Holy Week, the picturesque alleys of Leonidio are flooded with the scent of spring and blossoming bitter orange trees. The Epitaph processions of the local parishes meet in the narrow streets of the village, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and tranquility, preparing locals and visitors for the grand Saturday night.

The Spectacular Sight of the Hot Air Balloons

The true climax, however, arrives on the night of the Resurrection. As soon as the church bells ring joyfully and the “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) is chanted, Leonidio experiences its most magical moment.

Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of colorful, illuminated hot air balloons are released simultaneously from the village’s parishes into the starry sky, offering a spectacular, breathtaking sight. It is a truly unique feeling to watch the flames from the burning cloth (the material that propels the balloons) rise high and drift slowly towards the sea, illuminating the shadow of the imposing Red Rock.

A Custom with Deep Roots

This impressive tradition is not something new. The custom of the hot air balloons began in the late 19th century and has been passed down with passion from generation to generation. Young and old prepare their balloons weeks in advance, using reed, wire, and special paper, eagerly waiting for the moment their own creation will fly the highest.

Experience Easter at Costarini Hotel

The experience of Easter in Leonidio is something one must live at least once in a lifetime. Costarini Hotel awaits to offer you its warm, Tsakonian hospitality. It is the ideal starting point to attend the religious services of the days, taste the traditional Easter delicacies of the region, and marvel at our sky filling with “stars”.

Book your stay in advance and get ready for an Easter you will never forget!

Whether you are passionate about the sport or simply looking for a new activity for your holidays, Leonidio has something truly unique to offer.

Located just a short distance from the park’s main sectors, we await you to offer the warmth, modern amenities, and restful sleep you need, so you are ready for new peaks the very next day!

Pack your gear, wear your smile, and come discover the magic of climbing in Leonidio.

A World-Class Climbing Park

The Leonidio Climbing Park has evolved into a true paradise for climbing enthusiasts. Currently, it boasts impressive numbers that cater to every need:

• 51 Organized Sectors: Spread across the wider area, offering a vast variety of inclinations and rock quality (exceptional quality limestone).
• Over 1,000 Routes: An endless “playground” of safe and well-maintained routes that are continuously updated and expanding.

Ideal for Every Level and Age

The greatest advantage of climbing in Leonidio is its accessibility. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy the experience. The park is designed to accommodate everyone:

• Beginners & Families: There are specially designed, friendly sectors with easy routes, completely safe for those taking their first steps or for families with young children looking for an unforgettable nature adventure.
• Experienced & Professional Climbers: The most experienced climbers will find extreme challenges, overhangs, and technical routes that test the limits of their endurance and technique.
• All Ages: Climbing here has no age limit. Younger and older climbers coexist harmoniously, enjoying the unique community that has formed in the area.

Combining Action and Relaxation

After a full day on the rock, the body needs rest and rejuvenation. Costarini Hotel is the perfect “basecamp” for your excursions.

Located just a short distance from the park’s main sectors, we await you to offer the warmth, modern amenities, and restful sleep you need, so you are ready for new peaks the very next day!

Pack your gear, wear your smile, and come discover the magic of climbing in Leonidio.