The festive spirit of Carnival is back in Heraklion as DEPANAL S.A. launches a new round of lively events for all ages. The "Days of Joy 2026" programme will run from Thursday 5 February to Thursday 19 February, with events taking place at Marina Café Restaurant in the city’s Venetian harbour and at the beloved Georgiadis Park.

Here’s a taste of what’s on the schedule:

📚 Thursday 5 February, 18:00 – Marina Café Restaurant
The Reading Club “Coffee and Books” dives into Cretan traditions with a talk titled:
“Folk traditions, beliefs and Carnival practices in Crete through the centuries.”
Guest speaker: historian and cultural expert Kostis Kanakis. 

🎭 Friday 13 February, 21:00 – Marina Café Restaurant
Masquerade Party: "Friday and... 13 reasons to dance!"
With DJ Themis Markakis on the decks.
Expect a wild night full of surprises, a big costume contest, “masks to go”, and fast & fun 2-minute face painting by Niki Goranova.

🎨 Saturday 14 February, 12:00 – Georgiadis Park
The Cretan traditional maypole dance (gaitanaki) comes to life, presented by the Cultural Association of Agios Vassilis Pediados, curated by Konstantina Chatzidaki.

At 13:00, the colourful Mojo Stilts balloon walkers will be there to entertain the little masqueraders in the park.

Plenty of colour, music and Carnival cheer — perfect for families, locals and visitors alike.