Chestnut vendors traditionally start make their appearance on the streets of Greece in October conjuring traditional Greek childhood autumnal smells. The iconic figure of the chestnut man has inspired painters, novelists and songsters alike, and it comes as no surprise bearing in mind that chestnuts are a favorite in Greece, used in everything from spoon sweets to traditional tsoureki and vasilopita breads.

October marks chestnut season and there are almost as many chestnut festivals as there are places where chestnuts are produced.

Kissos, Pelion

The chestnut festival takes place at the picturesque town of Kissos from October 25-27. Boiled and roasted chestnuts will be offered to visitors and gulped down with local wine. Lots of traditional dancing around the chestnut trees and at the end of the day as well as talks about chestnut production.

Kastaneri, Kilkis

“Chestnut-Wine-Cheese” is the triptych of the 28th festival that takes place in Central Macedonia on October 26. The location for the festival is at the region’s Mt. Paiko, a charming mountain with a view of the entire village. The chestnuts will be best enjoyed with the region’s brass bands and other local produce such as wine, cheese and dairy products.

Mavrilo, Karpenissi

The aroma of roasted chestnuts will fill the square of Mavrilo from 11 a.m. in the morning on October 25. Chestnuts will be accompanied by strange bedfellows such as coffee, souvlaki, spoon sweets and traditioanl pies. There will be special activities for children and a tour to the renovated post-Byzantine church of St. Dimitrios.

Krokees, Laconia

The area’s cultural group is organizing its 11th Chestnut Festival from October 24-26, bringing three days of traditional dance, roasted chestnuts and warm traditional tsipouro at the village square.

Platania, Drama

The chestnut festival will follow the October 28 parade that commemorates Greece’s “No” (Ohi) to the Italian army taking on an air of national significance!