The much-anticipated programme of the 2nd Agios Vasileios Municipality Festival has just been announced. This festival is becoming a beloved summer tradition, full of energy, passion, and local love.

It’s not just a series of events—it’s a vibrant breath of culture. A celebration that brings together locals and visitors, and a chance to reintroduce the beautiful villages of the region through gastronomy, tradition, music, and creativity.

Expect children’s activities, concerts, old crafts, local tastes, and cultural happenings that breathe life into the villages and create bridges between generations.

TUESDAY, JULY 29 – Rethymno

Ardaktos 17:00–21:00
Painting Exhibition, Cultural Hall "Manolis Koundourakis"
Theme: “Journey Through Colour”

Aktounta 17:00–21:00
Photo Exhibition by the Maroussi Amateur Photographers’ Club
Theme: “Street Stories”

Atoniades 17:00–19:00
Traditional handmade Leria (Bells)
Crafting demonstration by Manolis Christoforakis

Vatos 17:00
Traditional bread-making
Handmade by Eleftheria Pelekanaki

Melambes 19:00–20:00
“Embroidered Tales” – an interactive storytelling by Evangelia Orfanoudaki
Cultural Hall

Karies 19:00–20:00
Storytelling by Maria Tsouknaki
Music-theatre games & art workshop
Cultural Hall

Langouseliana 19:00–20:00
Interactive storytelling “The Mud Diver” by Eleni Vasoiki
Outdoor space of the Cultural Hall

Spili 19:00–20:00
Maravel Garden – Guided tour of the Maravelakis Botanical Garden

Kali Sykia 19:00–20:00
Visit to Zoumberakis Winery
Guided tour by the Zoumberakis family

Agios Ioannis 19:00–20:00
CRETAN AROMA – Tour and presentation on organic herbs, olive oil soaps, and traditional balm recipes

Agia Galini 21:00
Theatrical Performance “Cretan Dream”
With Vangelis Mastorogiannakis and his troupe
Ikaros & Daedalus Theatre

Plakias 21:00
Festival Opening
Welcoming speeches
Concert with Georgia Dagaki

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 – Rethymno

Ardaktos 17:00–21:00
Painting Exhibition “Journey Through Colour”

Aktounta 17:00–21:00
Photo Exhibition “Street Stories”

Atoniades 17:00–20:00
Traditional Leria (Bells) by Manolis Christoforakis

Vatos 17:00
Handmade bread by Eleftheria Pelekanaki

Spili 18:00–20:00
“Marabou” – A fun two-hour children’s theatre by Tzirtzilaki, at Vryssakia Square

Spili 19:00–20:00
Maravel Garden Tour

Kali Sykia 19:00–20:00
Tour at Zoumberakis Winery

Agios Ioannis 19:00–20:00
CRETAN AROMA – Organic herbs, olive oil soap, traditional balms

Agios Vasileios 19:00–20:00
“Embroidered Tales” – Interactive children’s storytelling by Evangelia Orfanoudaki

Mirthios 21:00
Music Gathering of Agios Vasileios Artists
Melodies of expression, heart and tradition

THURSDAY, JULY 31 – Rethymno

Ardaktos 17:00–21:00
Painting Exhibition “Journey Through Colour”

Aktounta 17:00–21:00
Photo Exhibition “Street Stories”

Atoniades 17:00–19:00
Traditional Leria by Manolis Christoforakis

Vatos 17:00
Traditional bread by Eleftheria Pelekanaki

Orne “Kastro” 17:00
A journey through time – Archaeological tour with Manos Papadakis

Spili 19:00–20:00
Maravel Garden Tour

Kali Sykia 19:00–20:00
Tour at Zoumberakis Winery

Asomatos 19:00–20:00
Storytelling by Maria Tsouknaki
Music-theatre games & art workshop
Cultural Hall

Sellia 19:00–20:00
Children’s book reading by Georgia Louka
Cultural Hall

Koxare 18:00–20:00
“Marabou” – Children’s theatre show by Tzirtzilaki
Village Square

Mourne 19:00–20:00
Karagiozis – Traditional Shadow Puppet Theatre by Andreas Tympakianakis

Agios Ioannis 21:00
Theatrical Performance “Cretan Dream”
With Vangelis Mastorogiannakis and troupe
Ikaros & Daedalus Theatre

Krya Vrysi 21:00
Music night with Manos Papadakis and his band