Moving from Epiphany to Carnival

The Christmas festivities in Rethymnon, which have been mighty fine (if a little hazy in parts for some of us), culminate with Epiphany on 6th January. This, as many of you will know, is an important celebration in Rethymnon — as we reported last year, the celebration of ‘diving for the cross’ in the Venetian Harbour is moving and memorable to watch. It would stand to reason, then, that after a full month of partying, the rest of the winter would be ‘quiet time’ for Rethymniots before the Easter tourists arrive. Hmm. Put it this way, although Carnival doesn’t start until mid-February, preparations are already well in hand. Carnival teams and floats will have to be approved by the end of the month, and the council is said to be planning ’a really good one this year’.

But, if you want it to be, the rest of January can be nice and peaceful here on Crete without too many social engagements (suggestion, try Malia as a winter getaway?). On the other hand, there will be plenty going on this month to keep us all ticking over until the spring — you’ll see a few ideas further down this page. As ever, look out for those posters on electricity poles around town. We’ll try and keep you updated as far as we can on the www.rethymnon.biz website as and when. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy a lovely January 2008.

Laina’s January Programme

January Trivia