The Municipality of Viannos and local cultural groups are hosting a two-day celebration of Cretan tradition and taste in the coastal village of Kastri. The “Vendema” Festival takes place on August 1st and 2nd, 2025—and you’re warmly invited.

Dedicated to local produce and the people who make it, the festival brings together food tastings, live presentations, and activities for all ages. Everything is free to enjoy. It’s a festival that celebrates the land, the harvest, and the Cretan way of life.

Here’s the full programme:

August 1st – Festival Kick-off

18:00 | Batala Creta – Percussion Parade
The festival opens with high energy. Batala Creta, the samba reggae percussion band from Heraklion, marches from Keratokampos to the port of Kastri, setting the rhythm for the days ahead.

Throughout the festival, you’ll find a stall from the Pancretan Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Cancer “ILIAHTIDA”. Their work deserves all the support we can give.

22:00 | Cretan Feast in Keratokampos
The local cultural association “I Vigla” throws a traditional Cretan party with live music by Giannis Kaklis and Dimitris Vardakis.

August 2nd – Celebration Day

19:00 | Start of Day Two

19:30 | Children’s Evening on the Jetty
Author Zampia Lazanaki shares her story “Orfeas and the Moon-Growing”, followed by creative games and fun with animator Sofia Somaraki. A magical time for young festival-goers.

22:00 | Music Night at the Port
The night kicks off with a traditional Cretan set by Mathios & Rafae Damoulakis and Michalis H. Kontaxakis.

Next up is the explosive Vaggelio Fasoulaki and her band—expect a dancefloor under the stars.

The night closes with Giorgis Manolakis and his new group in a rousing set of laïka and rebetika.
“These Romans are crazy!”

It’s going to be unforgettable.