Cretan Diet Festival 2025

Cretan Diet Festival: Monday, July 7th Events

Join us for another engaging day at the Cretan Diet Festival!

Creative Workshops & Local Flavors (7:15 PM - 8:30 PM)

• Kids' Zone Activities:

  • "The Kitchen Plays" with Marabou Educational Team: Kids can make their musical instruments using items from the Cretan kitchen! They'll create shakers and bells with natural materials like rice, lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans, filling bottles, cups, and recycled containers. They'll then play musical rhythms with imagination, decorating their unique creations to take home.

  • "Smell and Remember" with Marabou Educational Team: Children will explore Cretan herbs like thyme, sage, basil, and dittany by smelling, identifying, and playing with them. They'll make their own fragrant sachets using gauze, fabric, and string, taking them home as souvenirs. Both activities are for children aged 4 to 12.

  • "The Ladle That Told Stories" with Flora Asoumanaki: This interactive workshop uses theatrical play and storytelling to take children (and parents!) on a journey through the tastes, smells, and traditions of the Cretan diet. It's a fun way for families to explore and bond!

• "From Our Land... to Your Table" (Main Stage): The Municipality of Agios Vasileios joins the festival to showcase authentic products, traditional flavors, raki, and wine from the southern part of Rethymno. This presentation highlights not only their delicious food but also their rich cultural heritage, with sounds and aromas from their inland villages to the golden shores of the Libyan Sea. Through every bite, sip, and note, they bring the authentic character of their region, respecting tradition and loving nature and its people. Come taste Agios Vasileios with all your senses!

  • Live Cooking Demonstrations:

    • Maria Porichi-Karaviti will prepare Snails with Trahana (Chochlioi me Hondro).

    • Eleni Tataraki will make Rabbit Savory (Kouneli Savóris).

    • Maria Iliaki will bake "Anavata" Cheese Pies (Tyropitákia Anavatá).

Evening Performances (8:45 PM onwards)

• "Lyceum of Hellenides" with Manolis Kontaros' Band (8:45 PM - 9:15 PM): Enjoy traditional dances by the "Lyceum of Hellenides" accompanied by live Cretan music.

• Concert with Manolis Kontaros' Music Group (9:30 PM): Get ready for a lively performance by the renowned Manolis Kontaros and his talented band, bringing you the authentic sounds of Cretan music.

  • The Band: Manolis Kontaros (Lute), Michalis Georvasakis (Lyra), Stelios Papadakis (Lute), Kostas Sfakianakis (Guitar), Kyriakos Kontekas (Askomandoura).