Rethymno, the city of history, arts, and culture, is once again bringing together all its creative forces, inviting all of Greece to join the biggest Carnival in Crete—Rethymno Carnival! For 2025, it promises a spectacular lineup of events under the theme "Come into the Light!"

First Weekend (February 9-11, 2025): The Grand Opening

The celebrations kick off with a Grand Costume Exhibition, showcasing this year's carnival costumes from all participating groups. The theme presentation for 2025 will also take place, culminating in the selection of the Carnival Queen, chosen through an Instagram vote.

The Opening Ceremony, led by Mayor Giorgis Marinakis, will take place on Sunday, February 9, marking the official start of the carnival season. The Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra will set the festive mood, followed by a concert featuring the renowned singer Lila.

Second Weekend (February 16, 2025): The Legendary Treasure Hunt

One of the most anticipated events, the Treasure Hunt, will take place this weekend. This isn't just any scavenger hunt—it holds a Guinness World Record as the largest Treasure Hunt in the world! Knowledge of Rethymno’s history is essential for success, and the winners of last year’s hunt—"Adiaforoi-Adiafthoroi" (Indifferent-Incorruptibles)—are this year’s organizers.

Pre-Carnival Warm-Up: Serenades and Sports

Before the first four-day celebration kicks off, the Old Town will be filled with music as serenaders roam the streets, accompanied by raki and local treats. This year, for the first time, the Carnival League basketball tournament will also take place, bringing carnival teams together for some friendly competition.

First Four-Day Carnival Celebration (February 20-23, 2025)

• Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday): The streets will be alive with outdoor parties and theatrical performances by carnival groups.
• A multimedia art exhibition by the 11th Painting Workshop of the Athens School of Fine Arts will also take place.
• Saturday brings the Grand Carnival Ball, where teams perform theatrical sketches and video presentations.
• Sunday (Apokries - February 23) is all about kids! The famous Carnival Run will have young revelers running through the Old Town, followed by a full day of children's activities.

Second Four-Day Carnival Celebration (February 28 - March 3, 2025)

• Friday Night Serenades return to the Old Town, this time with traditional Cretan lyres and lutes.
• Saturday (March 1) features two major parades:
  • The Children’s Parade, ending with a grand theatrical performance for young revelers.
  • The spectacular Night Parade, featuring illuminated floats, thousands of costumed participants, and live performances by local musicians.
• Sunday (March 2): The Grand Parade
  • A dazzling spectacle with 26 floats and 30 groups, totaling around 12,000 carnival-goers.
  • The carnival culminates in a spectacular fireworks show over Rethymno’s waterfront.
• Clean Monday (March 3): The Grand Finale
  • The celebrations move to Gerani, a village just 10 km from Rethymno, where visitors can enjoy traditional lagana bread, seafood, and the iconic "Camel" folk tradition.

Stay Updated!

All events are listed in the MoRE (Municipality of Rethymno) cultural calendar and on the official Rethymno Carnival website: rethymnocarnival.gr.

Rethymno Carnival is also 100% paper-free, with all information accessible via QR codes—so you’ll always have the latest updates at your fingertips!

Are you ready for the biggest carnival in Crete? Come into the Light! 🎭🎉