Carnival in Crete

RETHYMNO

Since 1960 carnival in Rethymno brings back the good old days.
The troubadours with their guitars and mandolins sing old melodies and songs, bringing back memories of old times. Each year a hidden treasure waits to be discovered by the prarticipating groups. The costumed groups will pass through the Great Gate and dance in the streets of the Small and Big Markets to the music of the town band.
The parade will end in the Square of the Four Martyrs where dancing will continue until dawn. The official carnival farewell takes place right after the big parade along the coast road wich ends in the Square of the Unknown Soldier.
The local carnival organisers send a Venetian gondola to Chania and Heraklion to invite the citizens to join in the carnival of Rethymno.
On Ash Monday, in the traditional villages of Merona and Melidoni people revive traditional carnival customs such as the kidnapping of the bride, the "Kantis", blacking each other's faces with soot and of course dancing, singing, eating and drinking, accompanied by the merry sound of the Cretan lyra.
Carnival Office: Tel.: 28310 51199, 28310 51499
Email : carnival@rethymno.gr