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Sardine’s Festival in Nea Moudania, Halkidiki

Sardines are one of the popular fish in Greece. They are small, tasty and cheap fish (4-5 euro per kg) which are usually cooked in a frying pan or grill. Sardines and gavros are popular and often are ordered in greek taverns.

There is a Sardine’s Festival in Nea Moudania every year which lasts for a week.  The Festival took place from 8 to 14 of July this year.

There were performances and concerts from different clubs and social groups in the main square of Nea Moudania during all the holiday week.

But the main event took place on the last day: not only the locals visit, but people and tourists come from allover Halkidiki.

There is a large market in the center of Nea Moudania, where one can buy local products, traditional greek sweets, bijouterie, clothes and shoes.

The center of the celebrations was in the port area.

A photo exhibition was organized at the entrance of the port which was devoted to a large fishing family company of Nea  Moudania. They exhibited many old pictures of the company’s founder, their first fishing boat and many touching memories of old days when Moudania was founded as a small fishing village.

The concert started at 9 p.m. on a stage which was built for this day in the center of the port  and lasted till midnight.  There were various dancing clubs from different parts of Greece which performed dances and songs of different areas of Greece.  The participation of visitors in all these activities was very high.

But the main point of the night was the grill of sardines and gavros which was sold to the guests at a very cheap price.

Assembly line of grilling sardines and gavros involved many volunteers: one cleaned fish, seconds washed, thirds fried and the last served in plates with incredible speed and service. The price of the dish was only 1 euro, because state authorities sponsor the festival and make it accessible for all people.

The smell of grilled fish attracted many people who wanted to try.

Free wine was served to everyone who bought souvenir mugs.

Tourists who happened to be  at this time in the town enjoyed greek celebrations and had unforgettable impressions.