Experience the authentic spirit of Crete through a rich program of theatre performances, traditional serenades, live music, and village festivals taking place across the region.
Friday, August 14
Enjoy a magical evening with the shadow theatre performance “Karagiozis’ Adventures” by Svoura Art Theatre, set in the courtyard of Saint Efstathios Church in Charaso (21:00). At the same time, wander through the charming alleys of Smari accompanied by a live serenade led by Katerina Garganouraki.
Festivities continue with a lively Youth Party in Diavaide, while in Mathia, a traditional Cretan night with Kostas Nodaraki’s band promises music and dancing. In Partira, a folk music night featuring Chrysa Tzanaki, Nikos Sakavelis, and Thanasis Albanis takes place in the central square (22:00).
Additional celebrations include a Cretan music night in Roussochoria with Dimitris Spiridakis and a traditional feast in Stirona with Giorgis Fasoulas and Kostas Kallergis.
Saturday, August 15
Celebrate the Assumption Day with vibrant local festivities. In Smari, a folk music night begins at 22:00, while in Amarianos, a traditional festival is held with live music by Kostas Kakoudakis.
In Demati, enjoy a Cretan feast with Kostas Nodaraki’s band, and in Karavados, the event “Village Talents” showcases local artists, preceded by a charming serenade through the village.
Cretan music nights also take place in Panagia with Vasilis Stavrakakis and in Polythea with Antonis Kokkinos.
Sunday, August 16
The celebrations continue with traditional feasts in Diavaide (Kostas Veligradakis) and Kato Kastelliana (Vasilis Stavrakakis and Michalis Kallergis). In Lyttos, visitors can enjoy a traditional serenade through the village streets.
Earlier in the day, take part in the “Mathia Run 2026” (17:30), while in Krasi, an event dedicated to nature, culture, and sustainability features talks, monastery-style cuisine, and a cultural twinning initiative (from 19:00).
Monday, August 17
Theatre lovers can enjoy the dark comedy “Ta Kiofteria” at the Manos Hatzidakis Garden Theatre (21:00). At the same time, the beloved shadow theatre returns with “Karagiozis the Astronaut” at the Mikis Theodorakis Open Theatre (Bethlehem Gate).
Another theatrical performance, “To Asparachi” by Crete Theatre, will be staged at the former primary school in Koxari (21:00).
Tuesday, August 18
Music and entertainment take center stage with a tribute concert to Mikis Theodorakis and Thanos Mikroutsikos, featuring Rita Antonopoulou and pianist Neoklis Neofytidis at the Manos Hatzidakis Garden Theatre (arrival at 21:30).
At the Mikis Theodorakis Open Theatre, magician Sankara presents the spectacular show “As if by Magic” (21:00).
Meanwhile, in Agriana, the concert “I Gyra” with Manos Papadakis’ band offers a unique musical journey (21:00), and in Stamnioi, the shadow theatre performance “The 40 Patches of Karagiozis” begins at 20:00.