ANTIPAROS - Described by the British Journal of Photography as "the smallest serious international photo festival in the world," the Antiparos International Photo Festival (AIPF) for the 7th year showcased work by photographers from around the world on the tiny Cycladic island of Antiparos in Greece.
Once an island of farmers and fishermen, Antiparos was discovered by hippies in the 1960s, and as of late, Hollywood celebrities. Yet despite its sudden fame, the charming atmosphere of this enchanting Greek island has remained intact.
Held every year in July, the AIPF is a volunteer-run initiative and started out as a modest event, but has since attracted and international crowd. It has expanded to a nine-day event including an exhibition, live musical performances, and workshops held by professionals in the field. The AIPF features photographs exhibited in an open-air gallery within the walls of the island´s medieval castle of Kastro.
This summer, the festival featured artists from Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Pakistan, as each examined the theme of "The Sea." Guest of Honor this year was Kapetaneika, an annual regatta for traditional sailing boats on the neighboring island of Paros.
The festival's live jazz music added a magical element to an already entrancing atmosphere, while the traditional music was especially appreciated by the local people, who threw themselves into singing and dancing in true Greek spirit.
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WORDS: Portes Magazine
PHOTOS: Garo Kalaydjian | Hara Sklika | Vangelis Tzertzinis | Mary Fotinaki | Giorgos Lagathinos Kavallis