This summer, the 2nd Olive and Olive Oil Festival in Ano Viannos is ready to welcome visitors once again.

The two-day celebration, now becoming a cherished tradition for the region, will take place on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August 2025. It is organised by the Cultural Association of Ano Viannos with the support of the Municipality of Viannos, aiming to put olive oil in the spotlight. The Region of Crete and the Parish of Archangel Michael in Ano Viannos are also lending their support.

The festivities begin on the eve of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. On Thursday 14 August at 11:00 p.m., the main square will fill with music during a laïko night featuring Nikos Delidakis and Anna Massarou with their full band. The next evening, Friday 15 August at 9:30 p.m., a vibrant Cretan night awaits, with Manolis Stefanakis and his band taking the stage.

Festival Programme

Thursday 14 August

• 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Olive & Olive Oil Stalls and Exhibitions

• 6:30 p.m. Official opening, hosted by Evi Papadaki

• Welcome speeches and presentations

• 9:00 p.m. Children’s activities with entertainer Sofia Somaraki

• 11:00 p.m. Laïko Night with Nikos Delidakis and Anna Massarou (Full Band)

Friday 15 August

• 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Olive & Olive Oil Stalls and Exhibitions

• 7:00 p.m. Informative talk about the work of the Pan-Cretan Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Neoplasia “Iliaktida”

• 9:00 p.m. Cretan Night with the Manolis Stefanakis ensemble and the “Brintaki” traditional dance school

More to See and Do

Throughout both days, the festival will host an art exhibition by painter Elena Anadiotou at the Folklore Museum — with free entry. Visitors can also browse product stalls, watch basket-weaving demonstrations, enjoy children’s events, and take part in a traditional cooking workshop.

The highlight for food lovers will be the live preparation of traditional dishes and meze made with the area’s exceptional extra virgin olive oil — a chance to taste Crete’s golden treasure right where it’s produced.

This is not just a festival — it’s a feast for the senses, where music, tradition, and the aroma of fresh olive oil come together under the summer sky of Ano Viannos.