Last year, I was heartbroken.

I was going to what was supposed to be the last edition of the HONA Festival — a truly unique gathering for the handpan community on the beautiful island of Naxos, Greece. The idea that this magical space would disappear was hard to accept.

But sometimes, magic has a way of rewriting endings.

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Getting to the island

The journey begins in Athens. From there, you can either take a ferry or book one of the low-cost flights to Naxos. This time, I chose the quick route — a short flight that saved hours. But I have to say: the ferry crossing, which I experienced during my previous visit, has its own special charm. Watching the Aegean unfold slowly in front of you is a truly magical experience.

Sometimes, HONA organizers help coordinate transfers from the port, so it’s worth watching for updates in festival groups and chats. Otherwise, taxis are easy to find and reliable.

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Arriving at HONA

From the moment you set foot on the island, the atmosphere begins to shift.
And when you reach the beach — with its crystal-clear turquoise water and soft golden sand — you fully sink into the HONA vibe: relaxation, presence, connection.

You’re greeted with smiles and hugs, reunited with old friends, and instantly surrounded by the soft echoes of handpan sounds drifting through the warm air. And that’s just day one.

By the time the evening concert begins, you’re already deeply immersed in the flow — and then it carries you even further. The stage lights glow, the music rises, and something deep within you softens and expands.

During the day, the festival also offers a variety of workshops, where participants can learn new techniques in music, expand their skills on the handpan, or dive into practices like yoga and dance. These moments of learning and connection are at the heart of what makes HONA so special.

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Musical memories from 2024

At the 2024 edition, I had the joy of listening to:

• Alexandre Lora – YouTube, Facebook, Instagram
• Braska – Instagram
• Daniele Rebaudo – Instagram, Facebook
• Ophia – Instagram, YouTube
• Amarok – Instagram, YouTube
• Mar Loi – Website, YouTube, Facebook
• KORAMA – Instagram
• Pandakini – Instagram, Facebook
• Kim Azulay – Instagram
• Mandara 
• Heidi Albert – Instagram, YouTube
• Timo Grobshäußer – Instagram, YouTube

…and many others who brought pure magic to the stage.

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Makers & instruments

It wasn’t just musicians — HONA 2024 gathered incredible instrument makers too:

• Soulshine Sounds – Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
• Pandakini – Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
• Oasis Sound Sculpture – Website, Facebook, Instagram
• Haig Instruments – Instagram, YouTube
• Shellopan – Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
• Handromeda – Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
• Tiflis Handpans – Website, Instagram, Facebook
• Heka Handpans – Website, Instagram, Facebook
• Mishte Handpans – Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
• Kalimba Shop – Website

Seeing, hearing, and even touching so many creations in one place was an experience in itself.

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The flow of the days

Each day unfolded slowly and gently — a rhythm of shared moments, spontaneous jams, deep conversations, swims, and sunset transitions into soul-touching music. There was no rush. Only connection. Only presence.

And now, against all odds, HONA returns: May 28 – June 2, 2025, on the same island, at the same magical beach.

After the 2024 edition, which was meant to be the last, organizer Stephany Bender found a team of co-organizers who helped give the festival a second life. Together, they are taking HONA into a new and even more inspiring format.

What to expect in 2025

According to the official site hangoutnaxos.com, the 2025 edition will include:

• A broader and deeper workshop program, featuring handpan, rhythm, voice, movement, and creative exploration
• Live performances by talented musicians from around the world
• Immersive sessions in yoga, meditation, sound healing, and dance
• Opportunities to experience community, creativity, and peace against the stunning backdrop of Naxos

Performing artists for 2025 include:

• Patrizio Castrovinci ft. Stella / Gandharva Project – handpan and vocals
  Instagram, Facebook
• George Christakis & Friends – rhythmic precision & melodic flow
  Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud
• Tech Cicada – live techno, progressive, and house with real instruments
  Facebook, SoundCloud
• Gaba Project – handpan and lyra in a mixture of Eastern Mediterranean musical traditions
  Facebook, Cloud10
• Ibni – flawless melodies and advanced techniques by a 9-year-old musical phenomenon
  Website, Instagram, Facebook
• Mar Loi ft. Vic Moliner – instrumental and electronic with a touch of experimental music
  Website, YouTube, Facebook
• Reo Matsumoto / Matsumoto Zoku Band – handpan with beat sense and chill melodies
  Bandcamp, Instagram, Website
• Dan Mulqueen – blend of handpan and electronic music
  Website, Instagram
• Dan Schachter Ensemble – full band, progressive ethnic fusion
  Facebook, YouTube
• Maja Wlazły – handpan and live looping
  Instagram

Some of these performers will also lead workshops, sharing their knowledge and creative approach with participants through hands-on sessions in music, rhythm, and movement.

HONA 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sound, nature, and human connection.

 

Maybe this time, you’ll be there too.