First edition of the Festival of Crete to take place this summer

Its motto is “The arts travel to the monuments of Crete…”

This summer, the Greek Region of Crete is organising the first-ever “Festival of Crete”. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and with the support of various municipalities, the festival will be held in various archaeological, historical, and cultural sites on the island.

From Friday 23 July until Saturday 11 September, tourists and residents will be able to witness a variety of artistic events such as dances, plays, concerts, and exhibitions. An interactive performance of contemporary dance will inaugurate the festival on 23 July at the archaeological site of Kato Zakros. This performance will also be broadcasted live on the Region of Crete’s Youtube channel so that viewers from all over the world can take part.

Where will events take place?

The artistic and cultural events will connect the past and the present as they will be held at different monuments and historical sites. In a press release, the Region of Crete lists these locations as follows:

• Archaeological site of Kato Zakros
• Holy Monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa
• Pier of the small port opposite Koule fortress in Heraklion
• “Shepherd’s Palace” in Anogia
• Fourni theatre in Archanes
• Archaeological Museum in the site of Malia “Minoan Palace”
• Archaeological site of Gortyna
• Late Minoan cemetery of Armenon in Rethymno
• Fortress of Koule in Aptera
• Venetian Fortress of Firkas in Chania
• Venetian Walls of Heraklion

Regional Councillor for Culture Kostas Fasoulakis commented on the importance of these locations, explaining: “It is the duty of all of us to know our monuments, to study them and to highlight them. At the same time, it is our duty to promote them as they are “living” legacies for future generations. They are active symbols of identity, reference, and inspiration for new artistic creations.

In this spirit, the Region inaugurates this year the “Festival of Crete”, focusing on its cultural monument from one end of the island to the other. It is an offer to the local communities, an initiative for the promotion of the incomparable cultural wealth and a unique tourist promotion of Crete. With the motto “the arts travel to the monuments of Crete…”, the festival of the same name will enliven and promote its monuments with performances of dance, theatre, and music.”

The Festival of Crete undoubtedly carries huge potential for development. If it proves successful, it may drive both domestic and international tourists to the island.