If you want to experience the authentic Cretan spirit and hospitality in winter, you should not miss the festivals and events that take place in February, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the music, the dancing, the food, and the fun of the island.
Here are some of the best winter festivals and events in Crete that you should not miss:
- The Feast of Saint Charalambos. This is a religious celebration that honors Saint Charalambos, the patron saint of beekeepers and honey producers. It takes place on February 10th and involves processions, blessings, and fairs in many villages across the island. The most famous ones are in Archanes, Zaros, and Agios Thomas, where you can taste the local honey and other delicacies.
- The Carnival. Crete has a long and colorful carnival tradition that dates back to the Venetian times. The carnival season lasts for three weeks before Lent and includes musical concerts, theatrical performances, costume parades, and parties. The most popular carnivals are in Rethymno, Heraklion, and Sitia, where you can see impressive floats, masks, and costumes.
- The Almond Blossom Festival. This is a beautiful festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and the blooming of the almond trees in the village of Limnes, near Agios Nikolaos. It usually takes place in late February and attracts hundreds of visitors who come to admire the white and pink flowers and to enjoy the traditional music, dancing, and food.