REBETIKO FESTIVAL "SYRA OF MARKOS VAMVAKARIS" 2024

The Rebetiko Festival “Syra of Markos Vamvakaris” started in 2016 as a result of the cooperation between the Municipality of Syros-Ermoupolis and the Cycladic Development Company (KETAN) the non-profit organization of the Chamber of Cyclades, in the framework of the cultural policy of the Municipality for the development and promotion of Syros' culture. Since 2017 it is under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture.

The conception and creation of the Festival is due to Syros' relationship with urban folk music, i.e. rebetiko, which prevails as an integral cultural element of the island since the first decades of the 20th century, as well as to the respect and recognition of the work of the great folk composer Markos Vamvakaris, one of the most important representatives of rebetiko, who contributed decisively to making this musical genre and the island of Syros known all over the world.

It includes a full and structured programme of events on the theme of rebetiko, often in the light of Markos Vamvakaris' relationship with Syros.

• Concerts by prominent artists and representatives of the genre, sometimes from abroad.• Exhibition of Greek luthiers who preserve and promote the traditional techniques of making folk musical instruments.• Workshops on the techniques and handling of traditional folk musical instruments.• Theatrical performances.Rebetiko, as a music genre, has been registered in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015 and in the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO in 2017.

It is held every year in late August to early September.