Agenda & events in Crete

Going to a panigiri: good to know

• Religious feasts begin with a church service on the eve. The real party, with food, wine and live music, usually starts around 9 or 10 in the evening and can go on until sunrise.
• Tables near the dance floor are often taken early by local families. Don't be shy: find a free bench, sit down and order a carafe of wine and some food. Everyone is welcome.
• Join the dance circle when you feel like it, just hold hands at the end of the line and follow the steps. Bring cash, as most feasts don't take cards.
• Dates marked 'usual dates' change each year. Village cultural associations post the final programme a few weeks ahead, often only in Greek on posters and Facebook.

Kinds of celebration

Panigiri (village feast)

A saint's day feast: church service at dusk, then food, wine, live lyra music and dancing in the square until sunrise.

Religious holiday

Big church holidays celebrated all over the island, often with processions and blessings.

Folk custom

Old customs and rituals: bonfires, blessing the flocks, distilling raki together.

Food & harvest festival

Village festivals for a local product: cherries, chestnuts, sardines, cheese, olive oil and more.

Culture & arts festival

Theatre, concerts and exhibitions, often in fortresses and open-air venues.

Carnival

The weeks before Lent: costumes, parades and street parties.

Music festival

Concerts and music festivals, from rock and electronic to Cretan and world music.

Commemoration

Anniversaries of key moments in Cretan history, with ceremonies, wreaths and re-enactments.