tradition, music and hospitality at every opportunity
local events
Celebrations for any occasion are in the DNA of Cretans. Religious festivals, cultural events, festivals of gastronomy and local products, are an opportunity for people to come together, maintain fellowship and celebrate life with passion and vibrancy. Music, dance and local delicacies are the essential ingredients of every celebration. Cretans are renowned for their hospitality, and this is evident in every event. All visitors, whether local or foreign, are welcome to join in the celebration, dance, sing and taste traditional delicacies. Local events are a bridge that connects the traveler with the people of the place, giving them the opportunity to see, taste and actively participate in the daily life of the locals. Leave the typical tourist guides and indulge in the warmth and authenticity of the local culture for a unforgettable experience!
August is an opportunity for celebration
the heart of the island beats loudly
August in Crete is a month full of liveliness, music, dance and traditional events that unite locals and visitors with authentic Cretan culture. It is the month when the heart of the island beats loudly, hosting a multitude of cultural events that draw from the rich tradition of the place, the love for music, dance. Cretan cuisine is always present at every event. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies and of course wine and raki that are generously offered during cultural events. August in Crete is a unique opportunity to experience the authenticity, tradition and hospitality of the island, through events that cover every taste and interest, from music and dance to history and art.
with a multicultural character
Matala Beach Festival
The Matala Beach Festival, held annually in the seaside village of Matala in Crete, is a celebration full of music, art and memories from the 60s and 70s. It began as a tribute to the hippies who settled in Matala when they discovered the natural caves of the area, which became their home and the center of their bohemian life. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to experience firsthand the aura of another era, which still hangs in the air of Matala. It usually lasts three days and offers a variety of activities and events, such as concerts with artists from Greece and abroad, art exhibitions, open-air markets, workshops and thematic events. The music varies from rock and reggae to traditional Greek and alternative, embracing the multicultural character of the event. On the beach of Matala, visitors enjoy the beautiful natural caves, the clear blue water and the sunset, while in the evening concerts and parties create a unique atmosphere. Many come dressed in period clothing, in a kind of time travel that combines the freedom and relaxed mood of the time with modern culture. The Matala Beach Festival is not only a cultural event, but also a meeting point for people who share the same spirit of freedom, acceptance and creativity. It is a place where older generations reminisce and younger generations discover an era and a way of life that may have passed, but remain alive in memory and heart.
the favorite Cretan schnaps
Raki feast in Pitsidia
The Raki Feast in Pitsidia is one of the most beloved traditions of the region, where locals and visitors celebrate the distillation of the beloved Cretan drink. Every autumn, raki producers, with passion and knowledge passed down from generation to generation, gather the fruits of the land and prepare the most authentic spirit of Crete. The festival marks the beginning of distillation and is an occasion for a feast with music, dance and traditional Cretan dishes. In Pitsidia, the event begins with a presentation of the raki production method, where visitors have the opportunity to see the raki pot up close, smell the aromas of the grapes being distilled and taste the fresh, steaming raki. The feast is accompanied by Cretan music and dances, while traditional snacks, such as antikrista, chochlious and cheese pies, are not missing from the table. The residents of Pitsidia open their homes and hearts, inviting every visitor to become part of the Cretan hospitality. The raki feast is more than a local festival; it is a way of life, an expression of the culture and authenticity of Crete. Thus, every year, those who find themselves in Pitsidia become witnesses to the tradition that continues to live and give joy, warmth and a taste of the intoxicating spirit of the Cretan land.
authentic Cretan tradition and hospitality at the heart of the harvest
Raki feast in Matala
At the initiative of the active Cultural Association of Matala and Pitsidia, an authentic celebration of Cretan tradition, which highlights the strong sense of community and hospitality. In early September, at the time of the harvest, local growers bring the grapes for distillation in the traditional cauldron to produce authentic raki, the favorite drink of the Cretans. Local producers and artists ensure that the tradition is brought to life and the joy of the place is transmitted through this unique process. And of course, raki could not be missing from such a celebration. Music floods the square of Matala, with the traditional lyre and lute leading the rhythm and raising the mood. The sounds of Cretan music invite everyone, locals and visitors, to participate in the traditional celebration, to dance, sing and celebrate the local heritage with fun and vibrancy. An evening full of warmth and authenticity, offering attendees a unique experience of Cretan culture and hospitality. A beautiful opportunity to enjoy authentic Cretan raki, taste traditional delicacies and create unique memories.