From the First Reunion festival in 2011:
Matala was the beacon for thousands of young people in the 1960s - and thousands more coming for just the memory of the legendary community. Now one Matala fan, Arn Strohmeyer, author of the book 'The Myth of Matala', is organizing a "reunion" - and inviting the world. If you've ever been to Matala, or just think you should have been there, now is your chance to meet like-minded people and make new memories of Matala in June, 2011.
The actual dates of the 2011 reunion are June 11th-13th, but my guess is that two days will not be enough for most of those who wander back to Matala.
As one who has spent a fair amount of time staring at the iconic cave-carved cliffs and musing over their curiously magnetic quality which keeps many coming back to the little beach town on the south coast of Crete over and over again, it sounds like an ideal excuse to visit. Who knows, maybe one of the many famous musicians - among them Joni Mitchell - who stayed in the caves during the late 60's and early 70's will make an appearance.
While Strohmeyer lit the match, it seems like the event is now taking on a life of its own and will include music, concerts, exhibitions, and a "Woodstock" feel.
Thinking of going? You may want to make sure you have a room at one of these Small Hotels in Matala.
Visit Matala.com says that there will be free camping on the beach between June 10th and June 17th for the 2011 festival. For more information, you can contact Strohmeyer directly at arn.strohmeyer@web.de. He may or may not be directly involved in the festival for 2012.
Videos from the First Matala Festival
Note: The dates for the 2nd Matala Festival will be June 2-4, 2012, with some probable unofficial events just before and just after that time.
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