Carnival In Crete, History and Tradition / Video

( Video from Rethymno Carnival Parade )

The Greek Carnival, From History to Modernity

 The Greeks, inheritors of an ancient legacy, thrive on timeless values such as the interconnectedness of people and nature, religious devotion, and patriotism, deeply rooted in their Christian-Orthodox faith. This vibrant nation celebrates a rich calendar of secular and religious holidays, many tracing back to antiquity. Ancient festivals honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure, featured banquets, music, and dance, showcasing the Greeks’ zest for life.

 Centuries later, echoes of history resound, connecting generations to their spiritual heritage. The Venetian-inspired carnival, with its masked revelry, still lingers in the collective memory, while the Greeks honor their faith with solemnity through Orthodox rituals and folk festivals that punctuate the year.

 As winter wanes and spring tiptoes in, the Greeks embrace Apokries, affectionately known as “The Carnival.” This festive period aligns with both the astronomical calendar—the rebirth of nature—and the Christian-Orthodox Easter. Streets come alive with masquerades, music, and merriment. It’s a time when joy dances hand in hand with tradition.

“Apokries” or ”Karnavali”- Three Weeks of Street Festivities

 Apokries, also known as Karnavali, is a traditional period leading up to Lent in the Greek Orthodox faith. It starts in early March and lasts for three weeks. During this time, families should avoid heavy food and big parties.

 

 The first week is called “Prophonis,” when people announce the beginning of Apokries. The second week is “Kreatini” or “Meat Week,” which is the last week where meat is allowed. The third week is “Tyrini” or “Cheese Week,” when only dairy products can be eaten. After this, people abstain from meat and dairy until Lent begins.

 

 Cities and villages host many events, both public and private. These include parties, festivities, and masquerades organized by schools, companies, and cultural institutions. People enjoy dance, music, and theater performances in parks, streets, and city squares. These events bring together locals and tourists and showcase Cretan culture and traditions.

 

 Even today, the end of winter and the arrival of spring is an important time of year. The "Apokries" festival is tied to the astronomical calendar, celebrating the rebirth of nature and the start of a new agricultural year, as well as the Christian Orthodox Easter calendar.

 

 The Apokries festival includes music, entertainment, and lots of food. In the second week, Greeks celebrate Tsiknopempti (Barbecue Thursday). Families and friends gather to enjoy grilling skewers ("souvlaki") in courtyards, streets, or on tavern terraces, with music played from loudspeakers or performed live.

 

 In Heraklion, the Tsiknopempti festival lasts until late at night and ends with a dance show featuring schools and amateur teams in the city center. Municipalities work hard to organize the festivities, which include a march with participants, MCs, entertainers, music, and various fun activities in pedestrian areas and the civic center. To encourage tourists and visitors, admission is free. Additionally, guided access routes and free parking are prepared in advance to manage the influx of people and cars.

 

 Cretan carnivals are typically held in Souda, Paleochora, Kalyves, Kastelli/Kissamos, Malia, and Heraklion, but the most famous is the Rethymnon Carnival. This spectacular event combines choreography, sound, storytelling, and characters, all infused with noticeable Venetian influence. You can find more information about the Rethymno Carnival on the official event website.

 

 At Daily Crete, we enjoyed a wonderful experience at the Rethymno Carnival. We loved the festive atmosphere as we strolled by many colorful floats and thousands of costumed people. It was great to see everyone happily dancing, posing, and playing jokes in the streets. We are excited to share our visual report about the Rethymno Carnival with you.

 

"Kathara Deftera" - The Religious Day of Purity and the Beginning of Spring

 

 The carnival season concludes across Greece with one of the country’s most significant feast days – Kathara Deftera, which symbolizes a fresh start after the carnival extravagance. Literally translated as “Clean Monday” ("kathara" = clean, “deftera” = Monday), this day marks the beginning of "Sarakosti" (Lent), during which no meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, or oil are consumed for seven weeks until Orthodox Easter Sunday. The spiritual significance of this day lies in the purification of body and soul, inviting everyone to guide their lives toward holiness, balance, and wisdom, and to practice fasting with clean hearts and good intentions.

 

 To celebrate the arrival of spring, Cretans dedicate this day to outdoor family activities, such as hiking in the mountains or strolling along the beach, picnicking with traditional vegetarian dishes and popular seafood, flying kites, and enjoying free concerts performed by local artists and bands.

 

 If you are looking for fun, Crete is one of the best wintertime destinations! Just wear your festive robes, masks, or funniest costumes, wander through the streets, mingle with the locals, soak in the cheerful atmosphere, and embrace the spirit of the Carnival!

 Enjoy our  PHOTO ALBUM  from the Rethymno Carnival!

 Καλές Απόκριες! / Kales Apokries!