Festival of the Tsakonian Aubergine

Leonidio is known for its unique eggplants which are grown on the plain between the town and the sea. They are long and purple with white stripes, and very tasty. The EU has designated Leonidio as the Eggplant Capital of Europe for having the best tasting and sweetest eggplants, and the Tsakonian variety has been included in the list of products with protected designation of origin (P.D.O.) by the EU since March, 1996. Every August, a great eggplant festival is held in the area, which attracts people from all over Greece and from other countries as well. It is a way in which locals celebrate with music, dance, workshops, and cooking contests with dishes whose basic ingredient is of course the famous tsakonian eggplant. The festival is organized by the Municipality of Leonidio, and takes place in Plaka, the picturesque port of Leonidio, situated 4 km from the town. The “Tsakonian Eggplant Festival” focuses in the toil of people working in agriculture. It attracts well-known chefs from across Europe, and achieving ever-growing popularity. If you like Greek food, then it is really worth checking out this great food festival.