Carnival of Rethymno 2014

  This year the Carnival of Rethymno celebrates its 100 years anniversary and invites residents and visitors of the city to participate in its festivities which will last from February 9, 2014 to March 3, 2014.

  The opening ceremony of the Carnival of Rethymno will take place on Sunday, February, 9 for the first time at the Venetian Harbour of the city.

  A very special event will take place on ‘Tsiknopempti’, Thursday February 20, 2014 (named after the fact that barbecued meat is eaten on that Thursday in Greece). The event is entitled “Tsiknopempti at Mitata” (little stone shelters at the foot of Psiloreitis mountain) on Crete; the whole city of Rethymno is transformed into a virtual stone shelter hosting a “journey” into history, tastes and traditions of the mountains of the island. 

  A Treasure Hunt will take place from February 7, to February 16, 2014.

  On February 27, 2014 a cycling city tour for masqueraded kids and adults is organised.

  The carnival’s celebrations will culminate on the last three days of the Carnival period with the Night Parade on Saturday March 1, and the Grand Parade as well as the burning of King Carnival on Sunday, March 2. On that same evening a free-entrance surprise party is organised at the old town’s beach.

  On Ash Monday, many traditions and local customs will revive in the city and in the nearby villages. The Carnival of Rethymno is ‘green’ since the protection of the environment and the recycling of materials constitute a priority for organisers. 




This year’s Carnival of Rethymno is under the aegis of the Greek Ministry of Tourism.


For more info: www.rethymnocarnival.gr


Dates: 09/02/2014 – 03/03/2014
Area: Rethymno – Crete
Place: Different places around the city of Rethymno
Start. T.: Pls. consult the carnival’s detailed programme