EFA involved in the INTERREG Project EUFEAST

The first kick-off meeting of the European project EUFEAST "Festive trails for a sustainable tomorrow" was held at the headquarters of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH), in Komotini, on 28 and 29 July 2025. 

Festivals are important features of the cultural landscape in Europe with roots extending back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece and Rome, festivals such as the Saturnalia were closely associated with social organisation, political processes and religious practices. In contemporary times, festivals have evolved into popular tourist attractions, celebrating a diverse array of themes such as religion, cuisine, arts, and seasonal or harvest traditions. These events are essential for preserving local cultural heritage and passing down traditions to future generations.

Drawing inspiration from the Panegyri - a centuries-old Greek tradition typically held in honor of a saint patron or to celebrate religious and cultural events, EUFEAST believes that festivals attract tourists, stimulate local economic activity, and play a vital social role by preserving cultural heritage, passing on traditional practices, and fostering intergenerational exchange. Local festivals collectively form a vibrant mosaic that defines European cultural identity. In order to improve the visibility of these festivals and integrate them into the local economy, it is necessary to establish interregional cooperation, which can help to interconnect these cultural events and amplify their economic and social benefits.

EUFEAST aims to enhance participatory processes that actively involve citizens in shaping tourism strategies that ensure positive impact to their territories and local communities.

In line with its long-standing commitment to connecting cities and regions with their local festivals, EFA brings its valuable expertise to the EUFEAST project and supports the integration of local festivals into regional tourism policies and broader European cooperation frameworks.