Tradition and Folklore.

Although Karpathos is a small island it remains

exceptional because of its rich tradition which has roots from ancient years and especially because of the local people's devotion to preserving their customs and traditions and living according to these values. This devotion is due to its geographical position and to the genuine spirit of the Karpathians.

Remarkable is the devotion of Karpathian people - not only the ones living in Karpathos, but all Karpathian who live abroad - to their traditions and customs.

Folk songs and rhymes composed and sang at the same time ("mantinades"), proverbs, riddles, tales, myths, games, wishes, curses, oaths are part of the everyday life of people - younger and elder, men and women -  since ancient times.

A special place in the hearts of Karpathian people has the traditional karpathian festivity ("kathisto glenti"). The men sit around a table with the music players of the traditional instruments, drinking wine and composing and singing songs.
They are given the opportunity to express their feelings - joy or pain depending on the occasion. The "lyra", "laouto", "tsambouna" and the "violi" are the traditional karpathian musical instruments and are inseparable part of a karpathian festivity.

One can attend a Karpathian "glenti" in various

celebrations and in social events especially weddings, baptisms, name days. After singing in
the karpathian "glenti" and having expressed
their feelings and thoughts and at the peak of cheerfulness the people feel the need to dance the traditional karpathian dances.

Some of these dances are: "Siganos", "Gonatistos", "Pano Choros", "Sousta", "Foumistos"(only in weddings), "Zervos", "Kefallonitika", "Antipatitis","Arkistis".
The first five dances are the traditional dances which are more commonly danced
by people in Karpathos during their celebrations.

Many customs have their roots in Ancient times and are preserved till nowadays unchanged and the people feel proud taking part in this way of life.

Lately cultural organisations and the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Karpathos organise local cultural events every year (reviving of old customs, wine festivals, dance festivals, theatre plays, concerts and many others).

Traditional Karpathian Products and Specialities.

“Psilokouloura,” “onion breads,” the fish “Skaros” or “the Karpathian” as the local people call it because it swims only in the Karpathian Sea. These are only some of the many products, which the island has to highlight.

Karpathian Specialties:
Makarounes (type of pasta), Kolokythopoulia (zucchini flowers), Skaros yahni (baked fish), Ofto (stuffed lamb baked for about 20 hours in the traditional Karpathian oven served on Eastern day),Fakorizo, Kopeles (herb pies).

Karpathian Sweets:
Karpathian Baklavas, Trigona (triangles), Sisamomeli (sweet, made from sesame and honey served in weddings), Tourtes or Mizithropites (pies filled with locally made Sitaka or Mizithra cheese), Pougia, Zibilia.

Other Karpathian Products:
Manouli Cheese (cheese made from goat milk), Karpathian Sardines, Honey,
Olive oil.