The Rice Festival in Sperchogia
The "Rice Festival" takes place every year in the middle of summer in the courtyard of the Primary School of Sperchogia. The celebration was held for the first time in 2013, with the aim of promoting the local product, which was one of the most important products during the decades 1940-1960 (when the plain of Sperchogeia was an endless rice field).
The celebration is organised by the "Agia Kyriaki" Sperchogia Women's Association, with the support of the Municipality of Kalamata and the Region of Peloponnese. During the celebration, visitors have the opportunity to taste traditional salty and sweet dishes, with the main ingredient being locally produced rice (Messenian Carolina rice) such as dolmades, stuffed vegetables, rice pies, etc. Finally, the evening ends with a traditional feast accompanied by live music, food and plenty of wine.