It all started back in 1914 and ever since, year after year, the Cretan city of Rethymno hosts a traditional carnival celebration like no other place in Greece.
Over three weeks, the Cretan coastal city holds parties and masquerades with traditional dancing and music, theater performances, street parades and children’s events.
Two important events during the calendar of the Rethymninan Carnival are the legendary Treasure Hunt as well as the Grand Final Parade that closes the celebrations.
Nearly a century of celebrations have been adding humor, light and color to the streets of the city. This year, the celebrations focus on hope for better days, on seeing the bright side of life in a world made of ordinary gray experiences.
The carnival celebration began last Saturday with Rethymnians paying tribute to “His Excellence, the King of Carnival”, as locals call it. Events will keep it running until Sunday Feb. 18 when it will be time for the Grand Parade and the closing ceremony in the village of Gerani, a great night with a camel parade and kites.
For a complete schedule of the activities, visit the Carnival webpage.
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