The Carnival of Rethymnon is an age-old cultural event overflowing with creativity and inspiration.

It is a custom that the Municipality of Rethymnon tries to support and enrich in every possible way each year.

It is worth mentioning that apart from the magnificent parade, various other events take place in the framework of the carnival festivities.

On Shrove Thursday a street party is organized at Platanos Square and at the Church “Mikri Panagia”, with live music for everyone's taste, as well as titbits and wine.

All the locals look forward to the event, as it has developed into the largest open-air party the town has ever organized.

On the Sunday before the great parade, a party is organized for the participating groups. Of course, the party, which includes plenty of food, wine, and dancing, continues until the early hours of the morning.

On Shrove Friday, two days before the actual Carnival parade, one gets a first impression of what it will be like, as the parade goes through the streets of the town at night.

More than 4.000 people work feverishly for months in order to present their masks and carriages on the great Carnival parade. 

Shrove Monday in the picturesque villages of the Prefecture of Rethymno: Revival of traditions and customs in picturesque villages of the Prefecture of Rethymno challenges and invites everybody to experience an unforgettable Shrove Monday.

The villages of Meronas at the foot of Mount Psiloritis and of Melidoni welcome hundreds of aficionados of the old customs, including Carnival games, happenings, and satires.

Customs like the "kidnapping of the bride" and the "Kantis" (the smudging of people, in combination with good wine and Cretan music) offer a unique experience.

For your stay at Rethymno Town : 

- Rimondi Boutique Hotels

- Avli Suites 

- Veneto Boutique Hotel & Suites

- Pepi Boutiqe Hotel

- Mythos Boutique Hotel & Suites