Carnival in Crete, known as Apokries in Greek, is one of the island’s most exciting and vibrant events. This three-week festival, held before the start of the Orthodox Lent, combines joyous festivities with deeply rooted traditions.
The Carnival of Rethymno is particularly famous and considered one of the largest and most spectacular in Greece. Here, colorful parades with creative costumes, music, and dancing fill the charming streets of the old town. Local groups and clubs spend months preparing their impressive floats and performances.
Celebrations take place across the island in cities and villages alike, each offering its unique touch. In Souda, for example, there are humorous masquerade balls, while smaller villages uphold traditional customs such as the symbolic burning of the "Carnival King," bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring.
A Feast for the Senses
The Carnival is not only a visual spectacle but also a treat for the palate. The festivities are accompanied by Cretan delicacies such as loukoumades (honey doughnuts), souvlaki, and plenty of local wine or raki. Streets and squares are alive with live music, ranging from traditional Cretan lyra performances to modern tunes.
A Festival with Cultural Roots
The Apokries celebration traces its origins back to the ancient Dionysian festivals in honor of the god Dionysus. Even today, the spirit of fertility, joy, and community that has defined this tradition for centuries can still be felt.