With great participation, vibrant energy, and immense popularity, KAVALA FESTIVAL 2026 came to a highly successful close. Organized by FORUM S.A., the leading trade show organizer in Greece and NürnbergMesse Group, the festival took place on July 25 and 26 at Phaliro Municipal Park. The event proved to be a major benchmark for the local community as well as the entire Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, brilliantly reaffirming the institutional bonds of friendship and cooperation uniting Kavala and Nuremberg since the signing of their official twinning agreement in 1999.

KAVALA FESTIVAL 2026, which was under the auspices of the Municipality of Kavala, was an authentic celebration created by the local community itself for all residents and visitors of the region! Serving as a platform for meaningful cultural outreach, the festival highlighted the area’s rich history, local production, and gastronomy, celebrating regional identity while creating a unique bridge between Macedonian heritage and Bavarian culture.

International Dimension & Institutional Representation

The hosting of the festival marked the culmination of a 27-year sister-city relationship between Kavala and Nuremberg, acquiring a distinct international dimension thanks to strong institutional representation from Germany. Attending the festival in person was the CEO of the NürnbergMesse Group, Mr. Peter Ottmann, accompanied by executive leaders and official representatives of Nuremberg municipal institutions. Furthermore, journalists from prominent German media outlets traveled to Kavala to cover the celebrations.

Glamorous Gala Dinner Kickstarting the Event

The festivities commenced on Friday, July 24, with a glamorous Gala Dinner that set the stage for an extraordinary event characterized by both strong international presence and local pride. Official guests were welcomed by Peter Ottmann (CEO of NürnbergMesse Group), Thanos Panagoulias (Board Chairman & CEO of FORUM S.A.), and Theodoros Mouriadis (Mayor of Kavala). The evening was honored by the presence of Dr. Ulf Santjer (Executive Director Corporate Communications & Corporate Marketing of NM Group) and Veronika Meyer (Press Representative for Condor & Marabu Airlines).

Local and regional government authorities were represented, among others, by the Vice Regional Governor for Development of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, Alexandros Iosifidis; the President of the Kavala Chamber of Commerce, Ioannis Panagiotidis; the President of the Kavala Federation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants, Theodoros Chatzichristos; and the President of Kavala association representing cafe and coffee-beer-drink shop owners, Giorgos Vafeidis.

A highlight of the Gala was the ceremonial revival of the traditional German custom of tapping the first beer keg (Anstich). The evening demonstrated once again that strategic cooperation, openness, and strong institutional ties generate tangible added value for the local community and broader region.

A great celebration for the city

Throughout the two-day festival, Phaliro Municipal Park transformed into the central hub of Kavala, welcoming thousands of visitors of all ages who gathered to enjoy a multifaceted program.

Craft beers from select Greek and international breweries, authentic regional recipes, and traditional local products captured the public’s excitement. The music stage delivered explosive live performances, featuring the renowned band Chainides on Saturday, July 25, and popular artist Ivi Adamou on Sunday, July 26.

Special attention was given to younger festival-goers, who enjoyed creative workshops and interactive educational games. These children’s activities were organized by the Local Committee of German Language Teachers of Kavala, offering young participants a joyful first introduction to the German language and culture.

Filled with smiles, memorable moments, exceptional flavors, and above all a spirit of hospitality and friendship, KAVALA FESTIVAL 2026 concluded, leaving the very best impressions.

Official Partners

• City of Nuremberg
• FILOS – Initiative for the promotion of the Nuremberg-Kavala twinning
• Marabu Airlines

Diamond Sponsor: ΒΙΚRΕ

Grand Sponsor of Digital Payments: NBG PAY / EDPS

About FORUM S.A.- Member of NürnbergMesse

FORUM S.A. is the organizing company of the exhibitions HORECA, FOOD EXPO, XENIA, FOODTECH, ARTOZA, GLOBAL PACK, OENOTELIA, LOGISTICS EXPO, TRUCK & VAN EXPO, ATHENS COFFEE FESTIVAL, and WORLD OF BEER FESTIVAL, and the publisher of the industry magazines Α-Ζ, SNACK & COFFEE, PSITO, SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS, DAIRY NEWS, MEAT PLACE. Furthermore, its internal division, FORUM TOTAL SOLUTIONS, provides booth construction solutions, services, and equipment for a successful trade show presence, while also specializing in corporate event organization.

About NürnbergMesse Group

The NürnbergMesse Group was entered in the commercial register on 5 April 1974 as Nürnberger Messe- und Ausstellungsgesellschaft mbH (NMA) and is now one of the 15 largest exhibition companies worldwide. The Group employs more than 1,200 people at 15 international locations in Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Brazil, China, India, and the USA. It also has a network of international representatives in more than 100 other countries. Its portfolio comprises around 120 on-site and online events focusing on five main areas: Retail & Consumer Goods, Building & Construction, Process Technology, Electronics & Security, and Social & Public. Overall, its events secure more than 12,000 jobs and generate billions of euros in purchasing power and tax revenue every year, making NürnbergMesse a major economic driver for the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region and Germany as a whole. As an employer and organiser of major events, NürnbergMesse takes its responsibilities for people and the environment seriously. Its business activities are aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the aim of achieving a CO2-neutral energy supply by 2028.