This year's theme is based on what has been the soul of the Rethymnian Carnival since its inception – more than 100 years ago – through its revivals to the present day, making it one of the most significant and longest-standing cultural events in the country. If one word could characterize it, that would be “companionship.

Companionship has always been the reason for creating beautiful cultural events like the carnival. It was companionship that created and enhanced the carnival but was also created and strengthened through it.

In an era where alienation and loneliness erode our daily lives, the carnival groups are always the antidote. A joyful company was the one that revived the institution – 32 years ago – creating many other group-companionships, which brought it to its current form. παρέες-ομάδες, οι οποίες το έφτασαν στη σημερινή του μορφή.

As a catalyst every year, the Rethymnian Carnival becomes the reason for people of all ages, from all over Greece and the world, to meet. To pour into the welcoming alleys of our city and become one large group – locals and visitors alike – leaving technology and digital communication aside. To communicate up close, chat while jesting, and look into each other’s eyes rather than through a screen. To relive the carefree moments that groups enjoyed many years ago.

If the pandemic forced us to live alone, the carnival reminds us of the importance of “togetherness”.

Every discussion within the group becomes more interesting, every image becomes more colorful, every thought becomes more intricate! When you talk, all senses are activated. When you dance embraced with your group, you tie your hands and soul together with them. Because collective action opens the soul, unlocks imagination. It leads you to see things, not only through your own eyes but also through the eyes of your friends.

Rethymnian Carnival, the companionship that uplifts you!

In Rethymno, the first elements of humorous events date back to 1914. Carnivals of another era, which have left their nostalgic scent still lingering, with romantic dances and the people of Rethymno welcoming with due honors “His Excellency King Carnival amidst the disorder of unrestrained laughter!”

Αρχές δεκαετίας του ’60 έχουμε το πρώτο οργανωμένο Καρναβάλι. Διοργανώνεται από την Περιηγητική Λέσχη Ρεθύμνου που με ιστορικά άρματα, ζηλευτές στολές και τις περίφημες “Κεφάλες” θα κρατήσει ψηλά το Ρεθεμνιώτικο Καρναβάλι για περισσότερο από είκοσι χρόνια.

Στις αρχές της δεκαετίας του ’90 το «Κυνήγι του κρυμμένου Θησαυρού», γίνεται αφορμή να δημιουργηθούν οι «Ομάδες», οι οποίες αργότερα, το 1993, προσκαλούνται από το Δήμο Ρεθύμνης, ως αρωγό και χρηματοδότη, να αναλάβουν, να στηρίξουν και να δώσουν δημιουργική πνοή στο Ρεθεμνιώτικο Καρναβάλι. Ένα Καρναβάλι που έχει καθιερωθεί επάξια ως το «Καρναβάλι της Κρήτης»!

...1914 και λίγο παλαιότερα

1914

Since 1883, we have had carnival dances in a family circle, while on the last Sunday of Apokries, costumed Rethymno residents took to the streets to have fun.

Δεκαετία 1960 & 1970

1960 - 1970

The Rethymno Explorers Club, founded in 1958, was also the pioneer of the post-war Rethymnian Carnival.

1980s

1980

The Carnival continues to be organized by the Explorers Club but is discontinued in the mid-‘80s, due to lack of financial support.

1993 μέχρι σήμερα

1993-Σήμερα

Από το 1993 τη διοργάνωση αναλαμβάνει ο Δήμος Ρεθύμνης. Κορυφαίο γεγονός, παραμένει το Κυνήγι του Θησαυρού, οι ομάδες του οποίου αποτέλεσαν τον κορμό για την επανεκκίνηση...

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