One of the most fascinating parts of Crete’s rich history and vibrant culture is also the traditional festivals. These festivals vary from religious celebrations to agricultural seasonal fairs. It is a great opportunity to experience the Cretan music, dance, customs and of course their culinary delights. It is the testament of the Cretan’s enduring spirit and its communal life.
Starting from Easter, this period is a profoundly spiritual and communal experience. The celebrations begin with the Holy Week, where religious ceremonies immerse in each town and village along with age-old traditions. Especially on Good Friday, the faithful epitaphios is carried through the streets, a symbolic representation of Christ’s tomb. The Eastern climax occurs on Holy Saturday when the Anastasi – Resurrection of Christ is completed. During midnight, all churches across Crete ring loud their bells and the sky is light up with fireworks. Families are gathered to break the fast with festive meals that include magiritsa which is a traditional soup made from lamb offal and other delicacies. The celebrations continue during Easter Sunday, a day of joy and feasting, where families roast lambs, dance and listen to music. We will continue to the feast of St. Titus, the patron saint of Crete, who is celebrated yearly on August 25th. The church of Dt. Titus is located in Heraklion, which becomes the focal point of the celebrations. The festival includes a large procession in the city’s streets accompanied by traditional music and dance and of course Cretan dishes and wine. Another impressive festival is the Shepperd’s Festival in Anogeia, a mountain village in Rethymno’s region. This festival takes place every August. The locals celebrate the pastoral life and the local cheese production. All visitors can watch the traditional shearing of the ships, the cheese making and of course they can taste the local Cretan products such as mizithra and graviera. You can also enjoy Cretan music, dance performances and dance with the locals. Rethymno also hosts every year one of the most notable wine festivals in Crete during July. The wine tradition dates back to the ancient times and its festivals are the testament of its enduring legacy. During these festivals you will be offered a variety of Cretan wines from the locals. Wine festivals are not just about wine tasting, they also feature music, dance and theatrical performances. The wine is accompanied with Cretan cuisine, making you enjoy a delightful sensory experience. Same experiences can be also enjoyed at the Sitia Wine Festival and the Archanes Wine Festival.
The Renaissance Festival of Rethymno is hosted each summer in Rethymno, celebrating its renaissance heritage with a series of cultural events such as exhibitions, theater performances and concerts. The highlight is the reenactment of past events, providing a vivid representation of the historical events. During the celebrations, the locals showcase their crafts, while Cretan music sounds to the whole town. During August 6th the Cretans celebrate a significant religious and agricultural festival, the Feast of the Transfiguration. This is celebrated in many villages and it is coincides with the grape harvest. As a result, it is also the time that locals give thanks for the harvest and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is the perfect opportunity to join the grape stomping, taste local wine and fresh grapes and of course dance to the traditional music.
Crete’s festivals are the great opportunity to enjoy the official island’s soul. They are no just events, but a reflection to their culture, traditions and history. Crete’s festivals are promised to leave you with unforgettable memories and of course transform you to a true Cretan resident.
