The island of Crete is famous not only for its myths and ancient history, but also for its festivals, which attract thousands of tourists every year. Here are some of the most interesting and colorful celebrations that you can see throughout the year.
Potato Festival (Cermyado)
Just an hour's drive from Heraklion, and you will find yourself in the small village of Tsermiado. Only 630 people live there. What made it famous throughout Greece? Every year at the end of August, a three-day potato festival is held here!
The village is located in the center of the agricultural part of eastern Crete. The local climate and proximity to the mountains allow farmers to grow fruits and vegetables all year round and earn a living from it.
Festival guests can sample dishes made from local produce and drinks, watch traditional dances, and listen to folk music. Many tourists come here for the competition for the largest potato. Incidentally, just 10 kilometers from Cermia is the Dikta Cave, where, according to legend, Zeus himself was born.
Even if you don't make it to the festival, we still recommend visiting this region. Be sure to visit the ruins of ancient windmills and ask the locals about the medicinal herbs that grow in the mountains. Stop by a small café and order dishes made with local ingredients. If you do make it to the festival, keep your phone ready to capture every moment.
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Ceramics Festival (Frapsano)
In mid-July, the village of Frapsano becomes the ceramics mecca of Greece. This region has been famous for its pottery since the days of the Minoan civilization. From generation to generation, master craftsmen pass on the secrets of making pots, vessels, and vases, which require a special approach and precision.
By the way, if you are vacationing in Heraklion, the journey to Frapsano is only 30 kilometers. All tourists can choose and purchase any items at the local potters' exhibition. Just imagine how many impressions a souvenir will give you, the secrets of its creation having been kept for several centuries.
If you want to not only watch but also feel like a real potter, the festival program includes master classes on making pottery. This leisure activity will appeal not only to adults but also to children, so we recommend planning a family trip to Frapsano in mid-July.
Busy days and lively evenings with welcoming Cretan feasts will not disappoint you in the slightest. We recommend combining business with pleasure and adding a visit to the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion to your itinerary.
Beach Festival (Matala)
The hippie movement's ideas successfully reached Crete. The beach festival in Matala is a national-scale "Woodstock." Every year at the end of June, visitors to Crete and locals come to this southern village to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of love and peace.
During this time, Matala becomes a true hippie capital. Everyone can have fun to their heart's content to the songs of Bob Marley and John Lennon, listen to performances by bands that come to Crete to participate in the festival, and sing along with them. During the festival, the organizers do not neglect the unique culture of the region, its literature, music, painting, and street art. The streets are filled with a festive atmosphere and the sounds of the greatest hits of hippie culture.
Do you know what you should bring back from such a trip? Of course, bracelets! Choose one or more bracelets as gifts for yourself and your loved ones at the craft fair. Walk among the rows of bright colors and exchange contacts with like-minded people. By the way, 50-60 years ago, all followers of the hippie ideology gathered in the village of Matala to do everything that has now grown into an independent festival.
Music Festival (Hudetzi)
This traditional music festival takes place every August. The village of Houdetsi is located just 23 kilometers from Heraklion. The most famous musicians of Crete come to this small village to perform folk compositions that have been passed down from generation to generation by their ancestors. The main musical instrument of the festival is the three-stringed lyre, which attracts around 15,000 people from all over the world every year.
Along with musical performances, the organizers also pay attention to exhibitions of products made by local artisans and farmers. By the way, would you like to buy some honey, wine, or olive oil as a souvenir? Locally produced products meet all quality and taste requirements.
We saved the best news for last: all events at the Hudetsi Festival are completely free. This means that tourists on any budget can afford to take this trip.
Rock Festival (Chania)
Rock fans, take note of this event. You can get here just in time for your July vacation in Crete. It is the largest festival of its kind on the island.
The musical event itself takes place on the ruins of the San Salvatore bastion in the center of the old town. This is a great opportunity to rock out to metal music and see the local sights. Incidentally, this festival perfectly breaks the stereotype that a vacation in Crete is a leisurely and measured period in an atmosphere of complete tranquility. Ready to turn up the volume?
The first forum was held in 2002, and both local bands and international stars have been guests at the festival. Over the years, Bonfire, Sabaton, W.A.S.P., and Paradise Lost have performed here.
Renaissance Festival (Rethymno)
This festival has been held in Rethymno for 36 years. The local municipality is the organizer and main sponsor of the event. Rethymno developed thanks to Renaissance literature and architecture, so the local authorities spare no effort or expense in celebrating their history and culture.
The festival takes place annually in July and August. It attracts culture lovers from all over the world with its vibrant program, luxurious scenery, and colorful images. This large-scale event harmoniously combines literature and music, painting and cinema, architecture and film.
Thousands of creative people come to Rethymno every year to perform in theatrical productions, present dance compositions, and showcase their artwork. The festival stages regularly features works by world-renowned authors, including Shakespeare and Molière.
By the way, almost all events take place at the Erofili Theater, located in the Venetian Fortress of Fortezza. Just imagine walking along the centuries-old fortress, exploring every corner of the old town, and ending the day with a theatrical performance in an ancient theater. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the region and immerse yourself in the culture of the Renaissance.
Carnival (Rethymno)
The carnival in Rethymno is one of the most vibrant and spectacular celebrations on the entire island. We don't even know what will surprise us more: the carnival in Rethymno or Rio de Janeiro.
It is held annually in February or March, depending on the date of Easter. Even the townspeople lose track of time and forget about the calendar, because they spend all their free time in their favorite cafes and on the streets of the city.
The festival program is equally suitable for adults and children. Young guests enthusiastically participate in the "Race for Ancient Treasures." Adults dress up in costumes prepared in advance, dance, and participate in traditional mass celebrations. A mandatory part of the festival is singing traditional serenades, called "cantatas," with all your heart.
The festival ends with a grand parade on the last Sunday and the burning of the effigy of the King on one of the beaches.
Cicada/Crayfish Festival
Tsikoudia, or raki, is a local moonshine that is still made in home distillation apparatus. Even in 2023, the people of Crete still stick to the traditional recipe for this drink. Locals call this festival "Kazanemata" or "Rakokazana." Remember that a kazan is a cauldron in which the drink is prepared.
The festival runs from October to December and has both cultural and religious significance for the island's residents. Rakia is made from grape must, and large-scale festivities are held around the cauldrons. In every town, the host and his guests revive ancient customs and traditions around a huge vessel. After that, everyone is invited to a feast with local products, national dishes, and, of course, the freshest and most delicious raki.
Wine Festival (Rethymno)
Despite the popularity of raki, locals consider wine to be the national drink. No celebration or feast is complete without this drink. Every summer, cities across Crete host wine festivals of varying sizes, the largest of which is the July festival in Rethymno.
For several decades, all lovers of this drink have been coming to the city park to enjoy its flavors and aromas to their heart's content. Anyone who wants to can taste the wine. During the festival, the local authorities set up stages, entertainment areas, and children's attractions. This is a great opportunity to listen to national music and take a break from everyday life. By the way, the organizers treat visitors to wine absolutely free of charge.
We recommend trying both spirits and standard red/white wines so that you can take a few bottles home with you as souvenirs.
Chestnut Festival (Elos)
This festival is held annually in the village of Elos in October. Elos is located near the picturesque town of Kissamos in the west of the island. Chestnut tree plantations and generous harvests gave local residents the idea of creating a unique festival.
Festival guests can see chestnut products and enjoy the taste of traditional dishes. Yes, recipes with chestnuts are popular not only in France but also in Crete. The organizers do not forget about entertainment: theater artists and musicians perform in front of the audience.
In addition to roasted and fried chestnuts, chefs prepare meat on charcoal, traditional appetizers, and serve red wine, which perfectly complements the taste of the main dishes.
This is a wonderful opportunity to spend the weekend learning more about the culture and traditions of Crete, meeting people who devote their lives to growing chestnuts, and trying unusual dishes.
