The Rethymnon Carnival brings together 20,000 people and has everyone singing, dancing and partying all day long. This is a Greek festival to be at…
Rethymnon Carnival in Crete: A Century of Fun
Around the world, carnival is associated with grand and colorful parades and masquerade parties, complete with costumes, tons of confetti, a drunken good time and lots of eating. It is kind of like the storm before the calm of abiding by pre-Easter fasting traditions.
Carnival: What Is It?
For those not familiar, these Western Christian celebrations mark the three-week-long period, commencing 60 days before Easter Sunday. The faithful also prepare for Lent and stop eating meat.
Some of the most famous carnivals take place in New Orleans, Venice and the carnival capital of the world Rio de Janiero. While no carnival on the planet can compete with the scale of two million people attending Rio Carnival daily, Crete has its answer to colorful carnival fun: Rethymnon.
Greece’s Diverse Carnival Traditions
In Greece, the party was going on way before Christianity. Feasts and fun times were organized in the name of Dionysus, the god of wine, theater arts and fertility.
Today, a bit of both Christian elements, ancient Greek elements and historic influences have merged at the most popular carnival celebrations in the country.
As a guest at Rethymnon Carnival, I found out Cretans really love to party and they do it with passion, creativity and outright joy.
Here’s how it went and why you should go…
Back in Rethymnon: Thanks, Rimondi Fountain!
Rethymnon is a gorgeous little port city that has maintained its beautiful Venetian and Byzantine architecture. As a result, Rethymnon’s old town is a romantic landscape of eras bygone.
I had visited briefly for the first time last year and drank water from the landmark Rimondi Fountain. So, as the legend goes, I found myself back in Rethymnon.
The Rethymnon Carnival Begins
Thirty plus teams participated in the Rethymnon Carnival Parade. Each team organized a theme, costumes and floats. The floats, called armas, all varied in size and complexity.
Some of the parade team themes were obviously very political. I was a bit saddened a bit by the whole President Trump and the U.S.A. portrayal.
In many ways, I agreed with the message of their theme. As an American expat, I must admit it was sad for me to think of the state of my homeland today and the negative perceptions people have. But, I won’t get all political here.
The Burning of the Rethymnon Carnival King
The Rethymnon Carnival Parade ended around 6 p.m. and that was when we followed the huge crowd to the beach front to watch the Burning of the Carnival King. I didn’t know what to expect actually. I can tell you no kings were harmed!
The Burning is a tradition during which the first float is set on fire, a symbolic way to say goodbye to the celebration and move on to the pre-Easter traditions like Clean Monday, Great Lent and eventually Easter Week.
After the fireworks, Rethymnon just kind of burst into an open-air street party. There were concert stages set up, live music, dancing in the streets and families strolling about the boardwalk. Bars and restaurants were overflowing with people. It was a joyous end to a full day of tradition.
Conclusion: Rethymnon Carnival in Crete
The Rethymnon Carnival is the third largest carnival in Greece, after Patras and Xanthi. Some say it’s the second largest. In any case, it’s a very organized event that Rethymnians prepare for months.
Facts and Tips About Rethymnon Carnival in Crete
- The Rethymnon Carnival is more than 100 years old. It started in 1914.
- Events are free of charge to attend.
- If you are driving to the big parade, be sure to arrive at the city parking by the harbor as early as 11 a.m. to find a space. Otherwise, overflow parking is available within city limits and buses can transport you in.
- It has grown to be the largest Carnival parade in Crete, Greece’s largest island.
- The Rethymnon Carnival is also one of the largest in Greece.
- Rethymnon is also known for other significant cultural events including its annual Renaissance Festival.
- The city of Rethymnon holds events for the month leading up to the Rethymnon Carnival. For details check the city’s website: www.rethymno.gr
By Air
International travelers arrive in Crete by air, usually with a change in Athens. You can find the best flight deals with Travelocity.
By Ferry
Ferries connect between Heraklion port in Crete to Piraeus port in Athens. Travel time by ferry is about 9 to 10 hours, and the journey is typically an overnight trip. For my review of this journey,check out: Overnight Ferry to Crete with Minoan Lines.
Getting Around Crete
The easiest way to get from point A to point B on the island is by driving. An international car rental company I can highly recommend is Avis Europe.
A local company I can also recommend is Rental Center Crete.
Where to Stay in Crete
Check out my post: Where to Stay in Crete for my tried and tested suggestions.
What to Do in Crete
For a rundown of what I experienced the first time around during my visit to Crete, check out my post: 10 Things I Learned in Crete in 7 Days
Some of the best beaches in Greece are in Crete, check out: Photo Tour: Beaches of Crete to get inspired.
*Travel Greece, Travel Europe thanks the City of Rethymnon for making this unique experience possible.
source: https://travelgreecetraveleurope.com/2017/03/08/rethymnon-carnival-in-crete/