The caves of Matala carved by nature in the rocks around the beach of the eponymous town on the southern coast of Crete since the prehistoric times of the Neolithic era, became the starting point of the great idea of the Hippy movement.

The counterculture movement of the 60s of the 20th century, originated by the United States of America and the United Kingdom, propagates from 1956 to 1974 in all Western countries. Young people opposed to the war in Vietnam, racial discrimination, defending women’s rights and sexual mores all over the world, created a hippy movement in search of freedom in all its forms, as the truths of life.

The caves of Matala were a convenient place for the followers of the hippie idea, for those, who wanted to hide from the others. Thus, the graves of the Roman era began to be used as ideal temporary houses, which met all household needs of unpretentious hippies.

Later a large stream of tourists start to visit South Crete, in particular to look at the so-called “hippie trail” and try to live in the caves of Matala for several weeks, months, and sometimes for many years. Leading a natural way of life, practicing music, meditation, painting, poetry, philosophy and fishing, enjoying the deep blue sea, warm nights and the beach-hippies were happy in this place, living in harmony with nature and their soul.

In a short time, Matala has become a new hippie fashion place, and as a result, fans of this culture began to come here more and more, Matala became the hippie center for many years.

Since then, the seaside resort town of Matala is ticked off in the guidebook of every hippies. Every summer, on its beautiful beaches, happens the Matala Beach Festival – a three-day Greek festival of love, kindness and Bob Marley. While some people dissolve in the music rhythms, others weave bright baubles and explore the caves, where in the 70’s the children of flowers has been lived. The slogan of the festival “Today is life. Tomorrow never comes”, which is fully define the serene philosophy and lifestyle of the hippies.

This year Matala Beach Festival will be held from 16 of June till 18 of June, and the calm coastal town of Crete will plunge into the atmosphere of a 24-hours music party and unrestrained fun.

Live concerts of famous bands of the Greek and international musicians will be held in the open air all weekend long, which, of course, will be an unforgettable event for music lovers! Come and take part in the biggest summer party on the island of Crete!

Participation music bands: Locomondo, Magic De Spell & Dimitris Poulikakos, Vamos Ensemble, Ex girlfriend’s perfume, Alone Together, Shantel & Bucovina Club Orkestar, Eleni Vitali – Nikos Ziogalos, Riders on the storm, Jo & the Dimplers, The Mighty Mezz, Tonis Sfinos, Leonidas Balafas, My Excuse, Sbaraquack, Angelika Dusk.

Detailed information and concert schedule you can find at www.matalabeachfestival.org.

June 2017