Karpathos, although a small island, has a very large and rich folk culture and still maintains with great dedication its traditions and customs. This dedication is due to its geographical position (away from central Greece) and the genuine and pure Greek soul of the Carpathian.

Many Greeks and foreigners dealt with Karpathos and plenty of folklore material has been published in books, magazines and newspapers, but also very much unpublished in the hands of researchers.

Due to its great folklore wealth, Karpathos is considered one of the most important “blood donors” of Greek Folklore.

Priceless treasures for Karpathos are the folklore works of Manolakakis, Michaelides Nouaros, Georgios, Alexiadis.

Most of their folklore material is still preserved by the Carpathian lands.

It is remarkable with how much reverence, not only the permanent residents, but also the Carpathians of the diaspora maintain the literary, but also the customary folklore of Karpathos.

Folk songs and makeshift songs of the moment, mantinades, proverbs, riddles, fairy tales, myths, traditions, wishes, curses and vows are in the mouths and in the daily conversations of the Carpathian youth and elders, men and women.

Of course, the sitting Carpathian feast has a special place, which gives the opportunity to bring to life the folk songs of Karpathos, but also presents the poetic talent of the Carpathian, with the mantinades of the moment, expressing their pain and joy, depending on the occasion.

Such feasts are always attended by the local musical instruments (tsambouna, lyra, lute, violin), one attends festivals, social events (baptisms, weddings, name celebrations) after the rich tables (tabla) with traditional dishes, which are listed for all the guests.

At these events, visitors can experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people, who take pride in hosting lively celebrations.

Some of these dances are Siganos, Gonatistos, Pano Choros, Sousta, Foumistos (only in marriage), Zervos, Kefalonitika, Antipatatis, Arcesti. Of these, the first five are danced more often. Mostly Pano dance and Sousta.

Many original customs, which have their roots in antiquity, are still preserved in Karpathos and the Carpathians feel particularly proud every time they participate in them.

Cultural Associations and the Cultural Center of the Municipality, organize events of local character and color (revivals of customs, wine festivals “Volada and Othos”, meetings, dance festivals and choirs).

The fine, colorful woven embroidery and knitted that make up the decoration, the “decoration” of the Carpathian “soufa” is a matter of the Carpathian housewife and an important chapter of her folklore heritage.

Inside this house, the large Karpathian house, which is itself a small folklore museum, with handcrafts, wood carvings, the frames of grandparents and parents, become the joys of the family, but also the rich tables to the “guests”, to whom traditional dishes, drinks and sweets are also offered.