Cretan festivals are an integral part of everyday life in Cretan culture. These festivals take place throughout the year in every region of Crete, with a higher frequency during the summer months when tourist traffic is higher. Festivals provide an opportunity for people to socialize, dance, and indulge in traditional Cretan cuisine and culture. Each festival is accompanied by traditional musical instruments, and guests enjoy dancing and singing to the rhythms played by the organist. In Crete, locals organize various celebrations throughout the year to honor their patron saints in each local church or to promote their local products.
The Shearing of the Sheep
One of these celebrations involves the shearing of the sheep, which takes place at the beginning of summer. Animal husbandry is highly valued in the region of Crete, and many people make a living solely from it. During the shearing of the sheep, farmers invite their relatives and friends to help them with the task. After the work is done, the shepherd gathers his guests for a festive feast. If you happen to meet a shepherd during your trip to Crete, consider yourself lucky and be sure to accept his invitation to the feast!
The Wine Festival
In the village of Dafnes, a wine festival takes place in the central square for 15 days starting from the beginning of June. During the festival, you can taste the locally produced Cretan wine for free, which is accompanied by local Cretan meze and traditional delicacies. The festival also features non-stop dancing and music. In addition, there are folklore art exhibitions showcasing books and tools used in Cretan agriculture and wine production.
Potter’s Fest
Every year, in the middle of July, the residents of Thrapsanos village in Crete, celebrate and honor the art of ceramics, which has been carried on for many centuries, since the Minoan period. The Cretans use the same pottery techniques and methods to make special food storage jars, which are distinct from other smaller vessels made in the rest of Crete. The three-day festival involves feasting, food, and drink, and is a great opportunity for locals and tourists to experience the unique culture and traditions of this beautiful island.
Potato Festival
August 15th is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is celebrated with festivals and events all around Greece. A few days after this, the people of the Lasithi prefecture have another reason to celebrate. They organize a three-day event around the potato, which is a prominent local agricultural product known for its quality and taste. During the festival, traditional music is played, and participants and visitors engage in games and competitions centered around tasting Cretan dishes. The highlight of the event is a competition for the biggest potato!
Similarly, in the prefecture of Rethymno, a citrus festival is organized in the following days of August. The festival aims to support the producers of citrus, a fruit commonly used in traditional homemade sweets and confectionery in Crete.
Rakokazana Festival
Raki is a traditional drink from the island of Crete, made from grapes. To produce raki, Cretans use the grapes that have already been used for wine distillation. Almost every village on the island has stills for the production of raki, but only those with a special permit are allowed to distill. If you visit Crete between October to mid-December, after the harvest season, ask the locals about rakokazano, a big celebration of raki distillation that includes food and dancing. Don’t miss this unique experience!
There are numerous festivals and celebrations that take place on the beautiful island of Crete. It is highly unlikely that you won’t find yourself attending at least one of them during your stay on the island! Make sure to lookout for local festivals to experience the warm hospitality of the Cretan people and to get a true taste of the authentic Cretan culture.