
Float Decoration
A Celebration of Art, Creativity & Community!
The Rethymno Carnival is more than just a festival—it’s a huge creative project that brings the city together in an explosion of color, fun, and artistic expression!
At the heart of this celebration are the spectacular carnival floats, designed and built by passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to create impressive, handcrafted masterpieces that reflect imagination, satire, and tradition.





The Art of Float Decoration
Float decoration is a true labor of love.
Every year, teams of dedicated volunteers—artists, students, families, and carnival enthusiasts—gather in workshops across the city to bring their ideas to life. Using a mix of recycled materials, wood, paper, and paint, they carefully construct giant, colorful floats that showcase humor, storytelling, and even political or social commentary.
Each float is a unique piece of art, carefully designed to bring joy to the streets of Rethymno.
Sustainability in Creativity
One of the most special aspects of Rethymno’s floats is their focus on eco-friendly materials and recycling.
Many floats are built using reused materials, ensuring that creativity goes hand in hand with sustainability.
After the parade, the municipality and the Carnival Committee carefully preserve the floats so they can be used for public displays the following year.
This way, the spirit of the carnival lasts all year long!


The Carnival Atmosphere
The Rethymno Carnival attracts over 15,000 participants and nearly 100,000 visitors, filling the streets with energy and excitement.
Beyond the grand parade, businesses and shop owners also decorate their storefronts to match the carnival spirit, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Whether you are walking through the historic Old Town or enjoying a coffee at a local café, you will feel the magic of the carnival all around you!
The excitement starts long before the big day.
The excitement isn’t just on parade day—it starts months before. From colorful storefronts to vibrant streets, the whole city transforms into a carnival wonderland!
Float-making workshops are filled with music, laughter, and teamwork as volunteers work together, sharing stories, ideas, and celebrations.
There are barbecues, parties, and dance events, making the preparation process just as fun as the carnival itself!
