Cultural life

Unlike the mainland of Greece and the islands in the Aegean Sea, which have been under the Ottoman rule for over four centuries, Ithaca has a greater western influence, still dominant in Ithacans' language and culture. However, like the rest part of Greece, the religious roots of the island are Orthodox Greek.

Festivals
Many local religious festivities take place in Ithaca, celebrating the various feast days of the saints at the churches with the same name. During those festivities a "panighiri" (feast) is organized, with live music, dances, food and wine taking place, usually lasting until dawn.

Feast of Aghios Ioannis - Kioni - 24th June
Feast of Aghioi Apostoloi - Frikes - 30th June
Feast of Aghia Marina - Exoghi - 17th July
Feast of Prophet Elias - Kioni - 20th July
Feast of Sotiris (Savior) - Stavros - 5th & 6th August
Feast of Panaghia (Virgin) - Anoghi - 14th August
Feast of Panaghia (Virgin) - Platrithias - 15th August
Feast of Kathariotissa - Monastery of Kathara - 8th September

Events
Other events celebrated are the Wine Feast, held in Perachori every August, as well as Ithaca's Theatre Festival, held in Vathy every May.
Every summer, a Cultural Festival takes place in Vathy, organizing various concerts, theatrical plays, cultural debates and art exhibits of works from Greek artists.
An International Odessa Congress also takes place in Vathy once a year, consisting in various debates and presentation of various projects from international scientists specialized in Homeric Studies.
An Exhibition of Local Products is also held in the central square of Vathy every August.