The opening of the 61st Panhellenic Exhibition of Handicrafts and Agricultural Economy in Kremasti took place successfully yesterday, the opening of the 61st Panhellenic Handicrafts and Agricultural Economy Fair of Kremasti, which will run through August 23, 2026.
This is Rhodes’ longest-running cultural and commercial event, which has established itself over time as an important institution for the local community and economy. The Fair serves as a showcase for tradition, creativity, and local production, attracting exhibitors from all over Greece every year and drawing the interest of both residents and visitors to the island.
The Municipality of Rhodes and DERMAE, with the support of the Municipal Community of Kremasti, have once again taken on the organization of the Pan-Hellenic Kremasti Fair this year, with the aim not only of continuing this historic tradition but also of further developing it, while strengthening its cultural and commercial character. At the same time, the Fair is held under the auspices of the Regional Union of Municipalities (PED) of the South Aegean, and is supported by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, which also provides its patronage.
During the opening ceremony, His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes performed the traditional blessing of the waters. The event was attended by Dodecanese Members of Parliament Manos Konsolas and George Nikitiadis, the president of DERMAE and appointed Municipal Councilor for Ialysos and Petaloudes, Chrysovalantis Lampis; the Deputy Mayor for Communications and Deputy Mayor for Culture, George Pattas; the appointed City Councilor for Stray Companion Animals and Municipal Library Operations, Nikolaos Hatzikalimeris, the president of the Municipal Community of Kremasti, Evangelos Laos, the president of the Municipal Community of Pastida, Nikolaos Pattas, president of the Municipal Community of Kalavardes; Panagiotis Sklavouris; representatives of local authorities and organizations; as well as members of law enforcement. The event was graced by the presence of a large crowd, reaffirming the Fair’s close ties to the local community.
In his remarks, Mr. Chrysovalantis Lampis emphasized the enduring value of the institution for the region, noting that the Municipality of Rhodes’ assumption of responsibility for organizing the Fair is a self-evident obligation, given the important role it plays in the local community and economy. Among other things, he stated:
“The Panhellenic Exhibition of Handicrafts and Agricultural Economy in Kremasti is celebrating its 61st anniversary and is an important institution for our region, having left its own unique mark on the history of Rhodes. Recognizing the significance and importance of this event, the Municipality of Rhodes supports the Kremasti Fair exclusively through its own resources, ensuring that it takes place and continues to do so.
We pledge that our Municipal Authority will continue to support it, so that the Fair will continually improve and remain a vibrant institution that highlights our cultural identity, strengthen the local economy, and serve as a magnet for visitors, artists, and producers, while also promoting Rhodes as a major destination for culture, creativity, and local production.”