Preveza is a city that lives and breathes through its cultural events. Throughout the year, residents and visitors participate in traditional customs, music festivals, and carnival celebrations that showcase local culture and bring generations together. From the Sardine Festival to the Preveza Jazz Festival and the Easter Botia, each event offers a unique experience blending joy, music, and tradition. These moments are more than just celebrations—they are the heartbeat of the city, inviting everyone to become part of its vibrant cultural identity.
Every summer, Preveza comes alive with the Sardine Festival, a celebration that highlights the local traditions and gastronomy of the region. The event usually takes place on the first Saturday of August at the Castle of Agios Andreas, attracting crowds from across the wider area.
During the festival, visitors have the chance to enjoy freshly grilled sardines, accompanied by plenty of local wine, salads made with fresh regional vegetables, as well as traditional music and dance. The atmosphere is festive, with attendees actively joining in the singing and dancing, creating a unique experience that combines culinary delight with entertainment.
The Sardine Festival is an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and enjoy the authentic hospitality of Preveza. It’s an experience not to be missed if you’re in the area during the summer.
On the morning of Holy Saturday, Preveza awakens in a special way. As the bells of Agios Charalambos ring for the First Resurrection, residents and visitors gather at Saitan Pazar and the surrounding streets of the historic center. At the call of the Resurrection, dozens of clay pots, known as “Botia,” are smashed onto the cobblestones, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement.
This tradition dates back to the years of Ottoman rule. At that time, the people of Preveza would throw firecrackers and soap into the streets to keep the Turks away and celebrate Easter freely. Over the years, the custom has evolved and today stands as one of the city’s most iconic Easter events.
The Municipality of Preveza and the Commercial Association of the Historic Center actively help preserve the tradition by distributing free “Botia” and the traditional Lenten sweet, soutzoukia, to attendees. The Municipal Philharmonic accompanies the celebration with festive melodies, while the atmosphere fills with smiles and well-wishes.
If you’re in Preveza at Easter, don’t miss the chance to experience this tradition. Breaking the “Botia” is more than a custom—it’s a celebration of life, hope, and renewal.
Every late May, Preveza fills with melodies and rhythms from around the world as it hosts the Preveza Jazz Festival. It began in 2003 as a small celebration featuring Greek ensembles and, over the years, has grown into an international festival, attracting artists from across Europe and beyond. In 2025, the festival will take place from May 30 to June 1 along the city’s seaside promenade, with the harbor and tourist boats as a stunning backdrop.
The concerts are free and open to everyone, offering a unique musical and cultural experience. The festival has hosted prominent names from the jazz scene, such as Raphael Gualazzi, Andreas Polyzogopoulos, and The Speakeasies' Swing Band. Additionally, it provides a platform for young local musicians, supporting the region’s artistic talent.
The Preveza Jazz Festival is more than just a series of concerts—it’s a celebration of music that brings together people of all ages and nationalities. If you’re in Preveza during this time, don’t miss the chance to experience this unique event.
Every year, Preveza puts on its carnival costume and comes alive to the rhythm of the Preveza Carnival. The celebrations begin with a children’s festival, full of games, music, and dance, giving the little ones unforgettable moments.
Next, the Women’s Carnival takes center stage, a tradition that spans over 60 years. Women of all ages, dressed in imaginative costumes, parade through the streets of the city, spreading joy and cheer. This event began as an effort by the women of Preveza to leave their mark on the carnival celebrations and, over the years, has grown into an established tradition.
The highlight of the celebrations is the Carnival Committee parade, where hundreds of carnival participants from Preveza and the surrounding region take part in a spectacular procession. Floats, music, dance, and colorful costumes create a unique atmosphere that enchants both young and old.