The 20^th Farmers & Breeders Festival and the 3^rd Olympus Food Paths

The 20th Farmers & Breeders Festival and the 3rd Olympus Food Paths

Successfully Concluded in Karitsa, Pieria.

A great celebration of the land, the taste, and the people of Pieria took place on September 19–21, 2025, in Karitsa, organized by the Municipality of Dion-Olympos, with co-organizers the Regional Unit of Pieria and the Pierian Organization for Tourism Development and Promotion, and coordinated by Open Ways Events & Travel.

The milestone 20th Farmers & Breeders Festival and the 3rd Olympus Food Paths, dedicated this year to the kiwifruit, combined the primary sector with gastronomy, tradition, and culture—creating a three-day event full of activities, flavors, and experiences.

Land and Taste in the Spotlight.

The festival opened on Friday, September 19, with the traditional picnic in the municipality’s kiwifruit orchard, attended by students from local schools. Through experiential activities, games, and direct contact with the “green gold” of Pieria, the children discovered the value of local cultivation and production.

On Saturday, September 20, the 20th Farmers & Breeders Festival officially opened at the Municipal Stadium of Karitsa, in the presence of officials, producers, and numerous visitors. Within the framework of the 3rd Olympus Food Paths, chef and Open Ways collaborator Ms. Ntina Tertsi curated the gastronomic activities, which were implemented in collaboration with members of cultural associations and parents’ associations from the area. Together, they presented and prepared traditional recipes based on kiwifruit and other local ingredients, showcasing the culinary identity and creativity of the local community.

Exhibition, Music, and Tradition.

Throughout the weekend, the agricultural products and technology exhibition served as a central attraction, hosting producers, professionals, cooperatives, businesses, cultural associations, and local organizations that presented their products and innovative practices.

The festival was enriched with musical and cultural performances, featuring local cultural associations and music groups from Pieria, offering audiences two evenings filled with music, dance, and color.

Community Participation.

The strong participation of students, exhibitors, and associations, along with the high turnout of visitors from across Pieria and the wider region, highlighted the importance of these two long-standing events as pillars for promoting the primary sector, local gastronomy, and culture.

The event was held in collaboration with the Directorate of Primary Education of Pieria, aiming to educate and raise awareness among young people about nutrition, agricultural production, and sustainable development.

A Festival That Evolves

With each new edition, Olympus Food Paths is further established as a reference point for the gastronomy of Mount Olympus, highlighting local products, people, and traditions through collective participation and creative cooperation.

At the same time, the Farmers & Breeders Festival continues its twenty-year tradition, honoring the primary sector and its contribution to the economy and identity of Pieria.

Open Ways Events & Travel warmly thanks the Municipality of Dion-Olympos, the Regional Unit of Pieria, and the Pierian Organization for Tourism Development and Promotion for their trust and cooperation, as well as all cultural associations, parents’ associations, producers, and exhibitors who contributed to the success of this year’s festival.

The land of Pieria continues to inspire, create, and connect!