Heraklion Festivals & Cultural Events

The religious panigiria and cultural events are an integral part of the local culture. Particularly in summer, the villages of Heraklion Crete present many exhibitions which contribute to the preservation of the local customs and traditions.

Religious feasts & festivals

August 15th
Many panigiria are organized in the villages of Heraklion on the occasion of the Dormition of the Virgin. Visitors are unlikely not to find a panigiri that day in Crete.

August 25th
On August 25th, there is the celebration of Saint Titus in Heraklion Town. Saint Titus was the first bishop of Crete and is considered the protector of the island.

Cultural events

Houdetsi Festival
Houdetsi Festival is a 4-day celebration of music, food, and art that takes place in the village of Houdetsi, 23 km south of Heraklion Town. This festival is the continuation of the Labyrinth Musical Workshop that was mastered by Ross Daly.

Matala Festival
This is an international festival that usually takes place in June. It is like a trip to the past, with music, art, and literature from 1960 to 1970, the era of the hippies.

Carnival
Over the last years, the Kastrino Carnival of Heraklion Town gets very popular. Carnival celebrations last for two weeks and include musical concerts, treasure hunts, and carnival parades.