Lassithi Festivals & Cultural Events

Lassithi counts on various events of religious and cultural character which take place in the villages and the beautiful coastal towns. The local products of Lassithi Crete and old traditions perpetrated from generation to generation are celebrated around the area.

Religious feasts & festivals

August 15th
August 15th is the day where most panigiria are organized in Lassithi Crete. Almost every village has a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and organizes its own panigiri. Nice service is held in the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera in the village of Kritsa, followed by an open panigiri in the square.

Easter
On Easter Sunday, a wooden platform is put in the middle of the lake in Agios Nikolaos and the "burning of Judas" takes place, symbolizing the punishment of Judas for betraying Jesus Christ.

Cultural events

Carnival of Sitia
Carnival celebrations are very popular in Sitia, with treasure hunts and a large parade on Carnival Sunday.

Nautical Week
The Nautical Week is organized every other year in the port of Sitia, during the last week of June. There are sailing races, traditional dancing events, and lectures.

Kornareia Festival
Kornareia Festival includes events from early June to late August. Events include theatre performances, musical concerts, groups dancing traditional dances, lectures, art exhibitions, and even sports competitions.

Case di Mezzo Festival
In Makrigialos Ierapetra, the classical music festival Casa di Mezzo is held every June with the participation of local and international artists.

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