The Aegina Annual Fistiki Festival

So popular are Aegina’s pistachios worldwide, the island even holds an annual festival every September, the Aegina Fistiki Festival. This 4-day event is held in honor of the much-loved pistachio buzzes with a huge array of fun activities such as music, theater, art and dance for you to enjoy! And of course, you can also indulge in some of the best-tasting pistachio treats on offer at the many stalls!

The festival is back for the 10^th consecutive year this summer and will be held on 13-16 September 2018 (11th Aegina Fistiki Festival 12-15 September 2019). The Municipality of Aegina organizes the Annual Fistiki Festival every year together with some of the islands local producers. Well worth a day trip from Athens!

The story of Aegina’s pistachios

It’s said that that the cultivation of pistachios on the island began in 1896. Local farmer Nikolao Peroglou planted a variety of nut trees on some of his land. The pistachio tree flourished the best. Sharing cuttings with other Aegina residents, the crop eventually landed on mainland Greece. The European Union declared Aegina’s pistachios a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) product in 1996, according to their regional authenticity and the traditional methods used to produce them.  Currently, Greece is the 6^th largest producer of pistachios in the world, and first in Europe.

What makes Aegina’s pistachios so delicious?

The island’s dry climate, temperature and soil, as well as the Aegean wind, together create the perfect environment for pollinating and cultivating pistachios. Harvesting usually takes place from mid-August to early September. A combination of all these elements brings about the distinct sweet flavor of this nut. Aegina’s pistachios are used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes. They’re also enjoyed on their own.

Thousands of years of global history

According to a wealth of historical records, pistachios originated in the Middle East. Said to be around since 7000 BC, they are mentioned in multiple historical and mythological tales. It is said that pistachio trees were planted by Nebuchadnezzar II, the former king of Babylon, in his hanging gardens. The Queen of Sheeba was also said to have banned commoners from growing pistachios for personal use as she regarded pistachios as a royal treat only. During Byzantine times, this delicious fruit nut was also often served as an appetizer, paired with wine.

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A history dating back eons

Around since 7000 BC, pistachios are said to have originated from the Middle East and since then, have featured in many historical stories and legends.

Some of these include the former king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar II. According to the legend he had planted pistachio trees in his hanging gardens. Or the Queen of Sheba, who considered pistachios a treat for royalty, thereby forbidding commoners from growing the fruit for personal consumption. During Byzantine times, pistachios were a common feature at eateries, often served as an appetizer, paired with wine.

Cultivation of the best pistachios of the world in Aegina

History tells us that the cultivation of pistachios in Aegina began in 1896 when a farmer by the name of Nikolao Peroglou planted an assortment of nut trees on a piece of his land. Of all the trees, the pistachio flourished the best. Sharing cuttings with other Aegina residents, the crop eventually landed on mainland Greece. Today, Greece is the 6^th largest producer of pistachios in the world, and first in Europe.

Protected Designation Origin

In 1996, the European Union has declared the pistachios of Aegina as a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) product. This speaks for their regional authenticity, and the traditional local methods used to produce them.

What makes Aegina’s pistachios so popular?

The combination of Aegina’s dry climate, temperature and chalky soil, as well as the wind coming off the Aegean Sea, create the perfect conditions for pollinating and cultivating pistachios. It is not uncommon to hear that Aegina has some of the best pistachios in the world. Harvesting generally happens from the middle of August to early September.

All these factors contribute to the uniquely sweet flavour of this nut. When not consumed on its own, Aegina’s pistachios can accompany a variety of dishes, be it savoury (as a crust) or in a dessert.

There are a number of residents who cultivate pistachios on the island, and a select few artisan producers such as Eleni Kypraiou and Nikos Tzitzis, amongst others.

Annual pistachio (Fistiki) festival

This festival has been taking place every year since 2009 and takes place mid-September, just after the harvesting of the nuts is complete.

The festival draws hundreds of visitors from many countries across the globe, and includes a number of different culinary events, workshops, activities, concerts and more. There are also a hundreds of kiosks selling a variety of pistachio products.

When travelling to Aegina with Athens Day Cruise, make sure to indulge in everything pistachio. Savour the unique tastes, you won’t regret it!

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