Mythological legends, the memory of long dramatic history, and the cultural influence of the different occupant powers are deeply engraved in the collective soul of Cretan people and reflected in many aspects of their lives, such as language, dance, music, food, arts, crafts, traditions, and customs. In ancient Greece, hospitality = “philoxenia” - literally translated as “friend to the stranger” - was a sacred duty of any citizen, set up by and by Zeus himself - the father of gods and humans - who were ready to avenge any wrong done to a guest. Christian orthodox tradition is very intense in Crete and the “love your neighbor as yourself” commandment is present in the everyday life of people, who instinctively show generosity and care for others.
Accompanied by the convivial spirit of locals, Cretan gastronomy and eating habits are among the healthiest in the world, making Crete a desired culinary destination and a brand name. The grandma’s way of cooking is now the foundation of the modern concept “from-garden-to-plate”, that makes eating a unique experience, from the old tavernas to the high-end luxury hotels: locally sourced food production, respect to seasonality, fresh and quality ingredients, simple recipes predominantly vegetarian, minimal processing. A long list of traditional products of Crete among which the priceless Cretan virgin olive oil, honey from wild herbs, assortments of dairy, distinguished wines have been recognized as protected local brands or internationally awarded.
The island has a long and rich musical tradition with deep roots in antiquity, strongly influenced by Byzantine music and enriched by the musical culture of the wider eastern Mediterranean. Accompanied by specific instrumental music, most often performed at the popular lyra, violin, and lauto, traditional Cretan dances are danced by men and women, who wear their wonderful Cretan costumes at formal events. The movements are either fast or slow, but always vivid and imposing, most of the time retaining the circular pattern. Women are stepping gracefully and perform lots of pirouettes, while men’s dance is punctuated by acrobatic leaps denoting strength, courage, and balance. During feasts and celebrations, Cretan people love meeting around a table, usually accompanied by music and dance. Of course, to please the visitors, the famous sirtaki, Zorba the Greek is not missing from any Traditional Greek Night in the tourist resorts.
In Crete, traditional occupations such as pottery, carpentry, shoemaking, weaving, sewing, knitting, metalworking, stone, and wood carving, and even agricultural and livestock-keeping activities, are still alive, resisting the invasion of modern technology and the exodus of the young generation to big cities. Tourists can find the artists' and craftsmen's works in souvenir boutiques and the Cretan food in many stores dedicated to traditional commodities. For those curious to experience a traditional life, seeking a “return to nature” or a rural-style holiday, many agro-tourism cottages are available all year round in the mountains. Ecology, farming, local gastronomy, the customs peculiar to a certain place, fresh air, simplicity, peace, and warm family-like hospitality are some of the benefits of alternative tourism.
A lot of cultural events - art exhibits, music concerts, dance shows, cinema projections, theatre representations - gather locals and tourists in unconventional places like churches, archaeological sites, city squares, museums, and parks. Festivals, popular holidays, and traditions are occasions when Cretans demonstrate their strong connection with essential moral and spiritual values and habits such as family life, friendship, hospitality, communion, solidarity, religious faith, gratitude to ancestors, respect for nature, patriotism, and joy of life.
The month-to-month local feasts and festivals may provide visitors with a glimpse of the traditions and customs of Crete, but it is the Christmas Holiday, Epiphany Feast, and Easter Holiday, preceded by Carnival and Night of Resurrection, Independence Day on March 25th, and National Day of Greece on October 28th, that are the most notable in the calendar of the National Holidays.
