The most colorful day of the year!
Posted on January 27th, 2018 by Despina Sivaropoulou
Visiting Greece during February or March is a great opportunity to experience the festive mood of “Apokries” (the Greek Halloween) and the spectacular Greek carnivals.
In many areas throughout the country there are carnivals organized, but the Carnival in Rethymnon, Crete has become the most popular. The town of Rethymno organises the greatest carnival parade on the island and one of the most impressive of Greece. On the Sunday before the great parade, a party is organized for the participating groups. Of course, the party, which includes plenty of food, wine and dancing, continues until the early hours of the morning.
More than 4.000 people work feverishly for months in order to present their masks and carriages on the great Carnival parade. Customs like the "kidnapping of the bride" and the "Kantis" (the smudging of people, in combination with good wine and Cretan music) offer a unique experience. The day of the carnival, this year is to be held on the 18th of February.
Make sure not to miss out on the colors and sights of one of the most festive parades of the year!
