An Explosion of Energy, Laughter, and Coffee: Day 1 of the Festival Was Unforgettable! 

The first day of the festival was… explosive! The gates opened and the one-of-a-kind Super Host Thanasis Alevras welcomed the crowd in his inimitable style—full of energy and humor! From the very first moment, the atmosphere was flooded with excitement, music, and smiles, as Thanasis managed to transmit his passion and energize the audience with his witty and unpredictable remarks. With his signature theatrical flair and boundless imagination, he set the tone for a three-day celebration full of surprises and unforgettable moments. The first performances on stage were impressive, with artists giving their all and the audience actively participating—dancing and singing along. 

The organization was flawless, with every detail designed to offer a unique experience to all visitors. We learned how to make our own coffee scrub, how to think like coffee shop owners, how to prepare matcha, and we met SCA champions who shared their stories—from intense training to international accolades. With the help of a professional barista, we crafted the perfect freddo espresso and tasted original coffee cocktails from top coffee experts! 

The one and only Sofia Moutidou gave us two hours of comedic delirium with her inexhaustible humor, sweeping us into an unforgettable experience. With her directness and disarming honesty, she turned the stage into a battlefield of relentless satire, self-deprecation, and social commentary, making the audience burst into laughter and applaud nonstop. Her unpredictable lines and unique ability to “read” the crowd created an atmosphere that felt like a mix of theatrical performance and stand-up comedy. 

From the simplest everyday situations to the hottest social topics, Sofia deconstructed them in her own subversive way, leaving the audience laughing and thinking at the same time. It was a performance that proved why she’s considered one of the most authentic and talented voices on the Greek scene. 

As night fell, CJ JEFF—one of the most recognizable Greek DJs with an international career—took to the decks, elevating the atmosphere with his beats. The stage transformed into an electrified dancefloor, with CJ JEFF leading the crowd on a musical journey full of intensity, groove, and nonstop dancing. 

With his signature deep house and tech house selections, he created a set that blended dynamism and emotion, keeping the audience energized until late into the night. The lights, projections, and crowd energy created a scene reminiscent of international festivals, with CJ JEFF proving why he’s a top name in his genre. It was the perfect climax to the first day, with the pulse pounding and hearts syncing to the beat. 

We experienced the thrill of the competitions up close, with top professionals vying for the title of Greek Champion in Coffee Roasting, Barista, and Brewers Cup. The adrenaline was high as participants showcased technical precision, creativity, and passion for the art of coffee. The aroma of freshly roasted beans filled the air, while judges evaluated each brew with strict criteria. 

Extraction detail, flavor balance, and presentation were key to determining the winners. The audience watched with interest, cheering on the competitors and learning more about the science behind every cup. 

It was an experience that highlighted the level of Greece’s specialty coffee scene and set the stage for the days to come—full of flavor, music, and creativity. 

And of course, we took part in the backgammon tournament under the auspices of the Hellenic Federation of Traditional Backgammon, with a prize of a handcrafted backgammon set worth €100! 

The atmosphere was electric, as players of all ages and skill levels gathered to test their abilities in Greece’s most beloved traditional game. Every move was calculated, strategies were clever, and surprises were plenty, with the audience watching every roll with anticipation. 

The tournament showcased backgammon’s value as a cultural element and as a means of connection and entertainment. The grand winner took home a handcrafted set worth €100, while all participants left with smiles and new friendships. 

It was a moment that proved the festival is not just about music and spectacle, but also a celebration of Greek tradition and play. 

A day full of rhythm, smiles, and unique moments that will remain unforgettable… 

We can’t wait for what’s next!