Carnival Season 2026“Be, live, dress WHATEVER YOU DREAM”
This Carnival period, the city of Rethymno steps outside everyday life and into a shared dream. Streets fill
with color and music, costumes replace routines, and the entire city becomes a living celebration of
imagination, joy, and togetherness.
The Rethymno Carnival is one of the largest and most important carnival celebrations in Crete — a cultural
event deeply rooted in local tradition, yet constantly evolving through creativity and community
participation.
Visitors are never expected to stand on the sidelines. Whether dressed in full costume or simply smiling in
the crowd, everyone becomes part of the experience.
Main Carnival ParadeMasks & MusicNight Parade Lights
❓What is the Rethymno Carnival?
At its heart, the Rethymno Carnival is a celebration of freedom and expression before the beginning of Lent.
Like many carnivals around the world, it blends humor, satire, music, dance, and disguise — allowing people to
step into new roles, tell stories, and laugh at everyday life.
What sets Rethymno apart is its scale and participation. Thousands of residents take part every year in
organized carnival groups, each creating their own costumes, floats, choreography, and themes. Months of
preparation go into every detail, turning the carnival into a collective artistic effort rather than a simple
spectacle.
Visitors are never expected to stand on the sidelines. Whether dressed in full costume or simply smiling in the
crowd, everyone becomes part of the experience.
🌿A tradition with deep roots
Carnival traditions in Rethymno trace their roots back centuries, influenced by ancient Greek celebrations,
Byzantine customs, and later Venetian rule. During Venetian times, masquerades and festive parades became
popular, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s cultural identity.
In its modern form, the Rethymno Carnival began to take shape in the early 20th century and grew significantly
after the 1970s. What started as small local celebrations evolved into one of Greece’s most dynamic carnival
events, known nationwide for its creativity and welcoming atmosphere.
Despite its growth, the carnival has never lost its local soul. Neighborhoods, schools, associations, and
groups of friends remain at its core — passing down traditions while reinventing them for each new generation.
✨The 2026 theme
“Be, live, dress WHATEVER YOU DREAM”
Each year, the Rethymno Carnival adopts a central theme that guides costume design, float creation, and
performances. The 2026 theme invites participants to explore imagination, hope, fantasy, and personal visions of
joy.
Dreams may appear as fairy tales, futuristic worlds, childhood memories, social commentary, or pure abstract
creativity — resulting in a parade filled with surprises, symbolism, humor, and emotion.
🗓️Key events & highlights
Main events Treasure Hunt & runs Grand finale
January 30, 2026
🎉Opening Night
Official opening of the Rethymno Carnival with the inauguration of the 2026 costume exhibition at the
House of Culture.
January 31, 2026
👑Queen of the Carnival Night
Official presentation and crowning of the Carnival Queen at Louvro Club, followed by celebration and
festivities.
February 1, 2026
🎭Opening Ceremony & Tsiknopempti period
Ceremonial opening event in Mikrasiaton Square, featuring costume presentations and live music.
February 6, 2026
🏃Carnival Treasure Hunt begins
The start of the famous Rethymno Carnival Treasure Hunt, with teams taking over the city.
February 8, 2026
🗺️36th Grand Treasure Hunt
The main day of the Treasure Hunt, one of the most popular Carnival traditions.
February 12, 2026
🥁Tsiknopempti Street Parade
Traditional drummers’ parade through the Old Town, followed by open-air street parties.
February 13, 2026
🎭Theatrical Carnival Performance
Carnival theatre performance at Platania Mikrasiaton Square.
February 15, 2026
🎶Carnival Run & Children’s Festival
Fun run through the city and a festive day dedicated to children with games and activities.
February 21, 2026 · 5:00 PM
👧Children’s Parade
The colorful children’s parade with costumes, music, and performances.
February 21, 2026 · Night
🌙Night Parade
Spectacular night parade with illuminated floats and live music.
February 22, 2026
🎊Grand Carnival Parade
The highlight of the Carnival: the grand parade of floats and carnival groups along the seafront,
followed by fireworks.
February 23, 2026
🔥Clean Monday – Traditional Finale
Traditional Clean Monday celebrations with local customs, food, and music in surrounding villages.
📸Carnival experiences & featured events
Costume Exhibition · Culture
Carnival Costume Exhibition
January 30 @ 7:00 PM – February 18 · House of Culture
A behind-the-scenes look at the creativity of the carnival, hosted at the House of Culture.
Official Opening Ceremony · Concert
Official Opening Ceremony
February 1 @ 8:00 PM · Mikrasiaton Square
The official start of the carnival season, ending with a live concert by Evangelia.
Traditional Serenades (Kantades) · Music
Traditional Serenades (Kantades)
February 10 · Old Town
Kantades are romantic street serenades performed in the Old Town, echoing through narrow streets and
historic squares. They offer a quieter, nostalgic counterpoint to the louder carnival events.
Tsiknopempti – Smokey Thursday · Meat
Tsiknopempti – Smokey Thursday
February 12 · City-wide
A city-wide street celebration dedicated to food, music, and dancing.
Carnival Run · Treasure Hunt
Carnival Run
Date & time TBA
A joyful, non-competitive 1 km walk or run in costume.
🎇The Grand Finale Weekend
The most anticipated moments of the carnival, when the city reaches its peak of color, sound, and celebration.
🎊 Grand Finale Weekend
February 21–22, 2026
👧 Children’s Parade
February 21 · 5:00 PM · Mikrasiaton Square
A magical parade ending at Mikrasiaton Square with performances for families.
🌙 Night Parade
February 21 · Night · City Center
Illuminated floats, music, and thousands of lights transform the city into a glowing river of
celebration.
🎊 Grand Carnival Parade
February 22 · Afternoon · Seafront Avenue
The biggest event of the season: floats, costumes, dance groups, and fireworks closing the Carnival in
spectacular style.
