The Rethymno Carnival is now at the starting line. In 2026 this joyful celebration returns with two three‑day and two four‑day blocks of events, inviting visitors to choose from four weeks full of music, theatre, art and pure fun.

From the start of the Carnival period through to the Grand Parade Sunday, the main programme is joined by daily Carnival Group parties that bring the whole town alive.

This year’s theme is “Become It, Live It, Wear Whatever You Dream!”
The Rethymno Carnival invites you to unforgettable moments of laughter, music, dance, theatrical happenings and exhibitions. With a focus on creative expression and a spirit of inclusion, this is a place where everyone can join in and feel free.

Highlights of the Carnival Weeks

First Three‑Day Block (01–03 February):
• A Grand Costume Exhibition featuring this year’s Carnival outfits for all groups.
• Presentation of the 2026 Theme and selection of the Carnival Queen by Instagram vote.
• Opening Ceremony on the Sunday of the Carnival start (01/02), with the Municipal Wind Orchestra, presentation of costumes and a big concert by popular artist Evangelia.

Second Three‑Day Block (06–08 February): Treasure Hunt Time
The legendary Treasure Hunt — one of the largest in the world and a Guinness World Record holder — returns. This isn’t just a game: it’s about knowing Rethymno’s history. Hosted by last year’s winning team, “Mpoumpounes,” it ends on Sunday of the Prodigal Son (08/02).

Days before, children from 5th and 6th grade take part in a Kids’ Treasure Hunt, teens in a Junior Hunt, and for three weeks a Digital Hunt challenges everyone with riddles leading up to the big event.

First Four‑Day Block (12–15 February)

Before it officially begins:
• A Cantáda Evening in the Old Town, with tsikoudia and treats alongside mandolins, accordions and the Municipal Choir.
• The Carnival League Basketball games get sport involved in the Carnival spirit.

Then:
Thursday (12/02) – Drummers’ Parade through the Old Town, outdoor parties and musical‑theatrical events by the Carnival groups.
Friday (13/02) – Shadow Theatre performance “Karagiozis’ Carnival Dream.”
Saturday (14/02) – Dance of the Groups with sketches and videos.
Sunday (15/02) – Carnival Run through the Old Town, followed by the Children’s Festival full of Carnival‑themed activities.

Second Four‑Day Block (20–23 February)

Friday evening in the Old Town again, with lyres and lutes in the streets.
Saturday (21/02) hosts the Children’s Parade with a big musical‑theatrical show, and the Night Parade with illuminated floats, thousands of revellers and a concert by Cretan artist Grigoris Samolis.

Sunday (22/02) — Grand Parade of floats and crews: 28 floats, 32 groups, about 11,000 participants. A spectacular fireworks show along the seafront — longer and bigger than ever — closes the celebrations.

Clean Monday (23/02) brings traditional flavours and customs:
• In Gerani, enjoy laganes and fasting foods, Carnival happenings and the camel tradition.
• In Armeni, join in the classic moutzouromata.

Event Calendar – 2026

Sat 24/01 & Sun 25/01
• 28th Kids’ Treasure Hunt / 8th Junior Treasure Hunt

Fri 30/01
• Costume Exhibition Opening (runs until 17/02)

Sat 31/01
• Carnival Queen Selection & Treasure Hunt Winner Awards

Sun 01/02
• Opening Ceremony – Wind Orchestra / Costumes / Evangelia Concert

Fri 06/02
• Treasure Hunt Dance

Sat 07/02
• Treasure Hunt

Sun 08/02
• 36th Treasure Hunt of the Prodigal Son

Tue 10/02
• Greek Cantádes

Wed 11/02
• Carnival League (Basketball)

Thu 12/02
• Drummers’ Parade & Street Parties

Fri 13/02
• Shadow Theatre

Sat 14/02
• Dance of the Groups

Sun 15/02
• Carnival Run & Children’s Festival

Tue 17/02
• Interactive Talk: History of the Rethymno Carnival

Fri 20/02
• Traditional Cretan Cantádes

Sat 21/02
• Kids’ Parade & Musical Show
• Night Parade with Grigoris Samolis

Sun 22/02
• Grand Parade & Seafront Fireworks

Mon 23/02
• Traditions in Gerani & Armeni

Programme & Digital Info

All events are listed in detail in the Culture Department calendar of the Municipality of Rethymno (MoRE) and on the Rethymno Carnival website (rethymnocarnival.gr). You can also scan QR codes — the Carnival’s way of going almost fully paper‑free.