As part of the ongoing efforts by the Network of Associations of Messara to promote traditional flavours, and in collaboration with the Cultural Association of Stavies, the 15th Annual Taste Festival will take place in the courtyard of the Stavies Primary School on Thursday, 11 September 2025, starting at 6:30 PM.

This annual gathering of associations from across Messara celebrates the flavours and aromas of Crete, placing the spotlight on the Cretan–Mediterranean diet and showcasing traditional dishes that are deeply rooted in the island’s cultural heritage.

Local associations from every corner of Messara play a key role in the event, helping to preserve and promote local culinary traditions — and bringing these flavours into everyday homes.

In collaboration with the Harokopio University and the National Cypriot Museum of Food and Nutrition, the Network is building a digital archive of traditional recipes from each village in Messara. This initiative also helps promote local products and forms the basis of a gastronomic tourism map of the region.

It’s also a tribute to the remarkable talent of rural Cretan women, whose culinary skills continue to shape the island’s food culture.

This year, the village of Stavies, one of Messara’s most distinguished and charming villages, will host the event.

Event Schedule

18:30 – 19:30 | Talks & Presentations
Welcome Address: Cultural Association of Stavies & Network of Associations of Messara

• Minoan Diet – Diamantis Panagiotopoulos, Archaeologist, PhD
• Cooperatives and Their Role in the Local Economy – Evelina Fragkiadaki, International Relations & Communications Expert
• Protecting and Reviving the Traditional Cretan Olive Grove – Michalis Papaïliakis, Agronomist, former Head of ELMEPA Agricultural Division
• Presentation of Local Dishes by cultural associations, along with recipe documentation
• Tasting of Traditional Dishes
• Certificate Ceremony
• Closing Remarks

21:00 | Live Music Concert with Iro Georgakaki and her band
• Piano: Konstantinos Tsiandris
• Bouzouki: Stelios Chonto
• Drums: Panagiotis Vergetakis

The event is organised by the Network of Associations of Messara
with the support of the Cultural Association of Stavies,
and co-organised by the Regional Unit of Heraklion and the Regional Development Fund of Crete.