Events, Events, Events….

Wow! What is happening this month? Or to put it another way, what isn’t?! So much to tell, we can’t fit it all in on one page. And the tourists aren’t here yet!!! The message is that anyone who can’t find something entertaining to do in Rethymnon in March is clearly not in Rethymnon, Crete, but might be in ‘Rethymnon, much more boring parallel universe’.
Carnival, obviously, is a biggie (see following page for details of the Grand Parade). Bearing in mind that this year Carnival celebrations straddle February to March, we will be bringing you a full ‘retro-round-up’ of the festivities with photo gallery in April.

Aside from the events that you will find listed, please note that March 8th is ‘International Women’s Day’. The day to celebrate women’s achievements’ - be they publicly recognized or not.

If you know of an event that you would like to see publicized in the Bugle please contact Kate Brusten by phone on 28310 54594 / 6942635525 or by emailing editor@rethymnonnews.com — the deadline for the next issue is 24/03/2008.

Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day: March 25th

March 25th is a very important national and religious holiday in Greece. In the Orthodox Calendar, March 25th is celebrated as the day that Archangel Gabriel told Mary that she was expecting a child. As we reported last year, by no accident, this was also the day in 1821 that Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution against the Turks, thus starting the Greek War of Independence. Mainland Greece was internationally recognized as an independent state through The Treaty of Constantinople in 1832; Crete became officially unified with Greece in 1913. However, for many Cretans, Independence Day 2008 is likely to be very special. It was in 1908 that Cretans themselves, despite lack of international support, unilaterally declared ‘Enosis’. On 25th March there will be military parades and you might want to acknowledge nationalism, but please also celebrate Crete and freedom of spirit, too.

Laina’s March Programme

Once again Laina has managed to put together a fabulous programme of events for March at the Akropolis Taverna in Platanes (about 5km East of Rethymnon). You will find highlights listed below and also on the www.rethymnon.biz website. Coming into Platanes from the West you’ll find The Akropolis opposite Galaxy Car Rental, about 25 metres from the Taxi Rank and Happy Train stop. Remember to book ahead of time for Sunday roasts and Fish and Chips nights!

Maria Hoffmeister Embroidery Workshop Dates

As we reported in last month’s Bugle, Maria Hoffmeister, who has worked for many years as a lace making teacher and designer, has developed a special diagram for recording traditional embroidery designs and creating new ones. She will be running a workshop on this remarkable and beautiful art form in March. The workshop takes place on two consecutive Saturdays starting on Saturday 15th March and continuing on Saturday 22nd March. If you are interested in attending or require any further information, please contact Maria by e-mail: hemahoff@web.de or by phone, 28250 22331 (14.00—17.00 and 20.00-22.00).