Throughout the Christian world Carnival is meant to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert and enduring the temptation of Satan, so for the Christian world this is the last chance to feast and celebrate before the 40 days of fasting leading to Easter.
Carnival Background in Greece
The Greek name “Apokria” which is the equivalent of Carnival, means the end of meat consumption and the end of Winter.
Traditionally costumes were themed after somehow “dark” heroes, similarly resembling to Halloween (but far from that). In Crete, in many villages, like gergeri, here is a great celebration which goes back hundred of years to Dionysian era, “Apokrigiomata” (Well a more Cretan name of Apokria). Locals dressed as with Sheep pelts and coal-painted faces perform various street acts like the the funeral of the bride and groom, the bear dance and more. Naturally, in a Cretan Village celebration, Raki and food are not absent… and are also free. So, What a better way to spent Net Monday in Gergeri! Just, don’t drink too much Raki. You can eat as much as you like thought.
City Carnivals
OK, its not Rio de Janeiro, but carnival is hugely celebrated in Crete! Heraklion and Rethymno City organize huge carnival celebrations with thousands of locals take on the streets and celebrate. Smaller cities and villages do also run carnival fests and in most cases are amazing.
TIP: You can visit multiple carnivals since the celebrations are not all in the same day!
Other Events
Heraklion City, long before organizing a carnival festival, traditionally organizes a Treasure Hunt. The participation is huge and the competition intense. Just to give you an idea its impossible to win the treasure hunt if you have a team of 10 people or less. Knowledge of the city, history and sites is also essential. Greek Language as well. So if you read this lines written in English, we can confidently recommend not to attend this event. Or do but it will be all Greek to you.
Final Thoughts
Feel like taking a widespread knowledge of this traditional celebration in Crete? Well Rent a car from eurocar.gr and we will be happy to provide you with the festive days and routes that you can follow. Roam around Crete and celebrate and dance with your heart!