Colors of Mitilini - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Mitilini is the capital of Lesbos, so this city is the best place for getting acquainted with islanders’ traditions and culture. Despite the influence of modernity, the indigenous people have managed to preserve many symbolic traditions. Craft traditions are especially colorful. For many years, the locals have been producing excellent olive oil that is considered one of the best in Greece.

Another interesting symbol of Mitilini is ouzo or anisette that was first produced here in the period of the Ottoman Empire. For local people, ouzo is not only an alcoholic drink, but also an unrivaled widely-used product. For example, it is used to wipe the gums of little children when their teeth emerge. It is also added to some dishes and even desserts.

One of the means of subsistence in Mitilini is fishing. Every day, a big fish market is open here. At the coast, you can always see fishing boats. You can go fishing with local fishermen for a fee. Many travelers prefer walking in local markets, visiting traditional taverns, and tasting the best seafood dishes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Mitilini lives an eventful cultural life. If you take part in annual festivals, you will open up new facets of local culture. At the port of Mitilini, the Expo Aegean Fair is annually held. It is dedicated to trade, modern culture, and tourism. At the fair, travelers can enjoy a lot of entertainment facilities. They have an opportunity to taste the best products delivered from different cities of Greece and specialties cooked by famous chefs. At the fair, famous craftsmen and artists present their pieces of art. Folk bands and popular musicians take part in the fest. Children can have fun at the festival too. They can take part in interesting competitions, enjoy open-air theatrical performances, and taste delicious sweets.

In the first half of August, the traditional Sardin Festival is held in the neighborhood of Mitilini. It was first organized a hundred years ago. It is dedicated to local fishermen. The most interesting events take place at Pyrgon Mesagrou Bay. Local dancers and musicians perform here. The main attribute of the fest is summer restaurants and cafes at the coast. Local chefs grill seafood. The main dish at the summer fest is grilled sardines.

The other symbol of the city is the annual Ouzo Festival held in the second half of July. It is believed that the tradition to make anisette was founded exactly on Lesbos. Today, this drink is popular in many regions of Greece. In Epano Scala located not far from Mitilini, the locals annually celebrate a beautiful holiday dedicated to their traditional drink. Water or ice is usually added to it. Now, anisette is added to many interesting cocktails. Besides tasting ouzo, the guests can do everything they want during the holiday. They can visit colorful fairs and enjoy street musicians’ performances.

Mitilini is one of the romantic cities in Greece due to special traditions of celebrating Saint Valentine's Day founded here. For the locals, 14 February is not just a fashionable modern holiday. On this day, an important religious holiday is celebrated. In Mitilini, there is an old Catholic temple where an important religious relic has been kept for many years. It is the relics of St. Valentine.

Every year, a festival is traditionally held after the saint patron. In recent years, its entertainment program has been expanded, so it is not limited to religious events now. In the city, interesting art exhibitions are held. Every year, the city is decorated with unusual designer constructions. Since 2017, the themed festival named “The Island of Love” has been held in Mitilini. It takes place in mid-February. The fest lasts several days. Famous musicians and other people of art take part in it.