There will be no lack of pleasant surprises from the cultural events organised both inside the town and in the periphery.
The main events are local religious festivals in the memory of saints, with traditional bands present in one of the squares or the village schoolyard, while a bazaar will definitely be set up in the churchyard, and will stay there until all its wares have been sold. Especially on and around the 15th of August, there are numerous festivals everywhere.
The lyra (local musical instrument), mantinades (traditional Cretan songs) and circular dances add to the festive atmosphere.
The leading role is played by "sousta", a lively dance, performed by couples on one's toes. Wine, raki and "ofto" (grilled) lamb, spaghetti with anthotyro
cream cheese, sweets such as "xerotigana" (with honey and sesame), miniature pies with myzithra cheese, and kalitsounia, are offered in generous quantities, so do not hesitate to honour the feast. You can be sure that the locals will be very pleased.
You will also have the opportunity to attend other cultural events, concerts organised within the city and in the periphery, and theatrical performances by Athenian troupes that tour the countryside in the summer.
If you happen to be in Rethymnon on the feastday of Agios loannis Klidonas, you can observe the re-enactment of a tradition that refers to the celebration in question. In June, cherry festivals are usually organised in the villages of the Amari valley, where the fruit is produced, with traditional music and dancing. Also, if you happen to attend a local wedding, don't ignore the invitation - it is a genuine one - to have a bite to eat and drink a glass of wine to the newly-weds.
The cultural events organised by the newly-founded municipalities in the area are very well organised and atmospheric, with well-known artists or traditional troubadours as guests. If your stay in Rethymnon happens to coincide with Carnival in February and March, you will enjoy the frenetic rhythms of the Rethymnian Carnival and the not smart enough y treasure hunt that covers the entire city and climaxes with the great parade. Visitors who come here in the summer will enjoy a rich, amusing, folkloric programme at the wine festival that takes place each year in August, and taste plenty of wine offered by the local producers. In the villages, they can attend impressive traditional celebrations with food and drink: At the "kazania" in September, for the distillation of "tsikoudia", and at the "koura" (goat-shearing) in springtime, which takes place at the "mitata", the huts where shepherds spend the winter.