Participation in the Sardine Festival in Lesvos

On 1-3/8/25 I was invited to the Sardine Festival, in Skala Kallonis on Lesvos island, and it was a great honor to participate and speak about olive oil.

It is both significant and hopeful to see events that celebrate our gastronomic heritage also embrace olive oil - the fundamental treasure of the Greek diet - as the opening element of their program. The decision to highlight the value of local olive oil and the importance of quality deeply moved me and reaffirmed that Lesvos is well aware of its precious wealth.

The program prepared by the organizers was truly exceptional: we visited villages, dairies, and cooperatives, met passionate people, and tasted wonderful local products and unique flavors. It was a weekend filled with authenticity, hospitality, and inspiration.

It was also a pleasure to explore the olive oil stands, meet local producers, and taste their exceptional oils together with acclaimed chef Lefteris Lazarou.

Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this festival possible - it was both a joy and an honor to be part of it.

Special thanks to the Municipality of Western Lesvos, to Theofilos Myzikas for the impeccable organization, to the Deputy Mayor of Culture Zacharoula Ioakeim, to the President of Skala Kallonis Sofia Ioannou, and to our guide Christos Konsoulas. You are all wonderful!