Newsroom
If you're not a fan of watermelon, Akaki might not be your scene on July 25.
The village’s beloved Watermelon Dance Festival is making its juicy return, bringing back everything from watermelon cocktails to free slices of the summer’s most dramatic fruit. Yes, it’s that time again, when the village square turns into a seed-spitting, sugar-soaked celebration of all things karpouzi.
The annual bash isn’t just about biting into something sweet and sticky. It’s also a local love letter to the farmers who keep Akaki’s watermelon game strong and to anyone who believes fruit can be a lifestyle.
What’s on the (watermelon-themed) menu?
Festivities kick off at 8:30 p.m. in Akaki’s village square, with live music by Stefanos Pelekanis until midnight. After that, the youth take over, with a DJ spinning tunes till late, proving once and for all that watermelon and bass drops can coexist.
Expect free watermelon and watermelon preserves, plus some more experimental takes on the fruit, like watermelon jam, cocktails (yes, really), and, just to keep things grounded, a solid serving of ofto kleftiko and local beer.
Akaki’s youth group is also preparing this year’s official festival T-shirts, because what better way to declare your devotion to fruit-based fun than wearing it on your chest?
Slice of summer
This isn’t your typical cultural festival; no overthinking required. Just show up, eat something cold and red, hum along to a bouzouki solo, and try not to stain your shirt.
Friday, July 25. Akaki village square. Come for the watermelon. Stay for the chaos.
