Sitia: A local's Guide to Cultural Events

There are numerous events in Lassithi you should pay attention to if you want to spend your summer holidays in eastern Crete. Series of cultural events in the city of Sitia, starting in early June and lasts until late August are in full swing, with a great variety of local celebrations and spectacles to keep you in high spirits.

Here we have a list of cultural events in Sitia, one of the most beautiful cities in Crete.

Kornaria Festival is a cultural event that takes place from the beginning of June until the end of August so if you visit Sitia at that time, stop by. Dedicated to Vicenza Cornaro or Vikentios Kornaros, a Cretan poet, who wrote the romantic epic poem Erotokritos, the festivities include music, theatre and dance performances, as well as lectures, painting exhibitions, photography and sports events. The events are held at the Venetian fortress of Kazarma and in the complex of the municipality of Sitia. Within Kornaria are organized in villages of the Municipality of events such as Kazanemata (feast raki).

Nautical week The winds in Crete help sailing and between June and September it is very comfortable to sail. Therefore, the boat race is an enchanting event to watch or participate in during the Nautical Week, organized every two years in the port of Sitia. The events include sailing races, traditional dancing events and lectures. If you are in the city in the last week of June, let yourself free and enjoy a different experience.  

Case di Mezzo Festival With the participation of local and international artists, this unique music festival is a memorable opportunity to experience live performances by world-class artists in the beautiful setting of Villa Casa dei Mezzo, in Makrigialos, Crete. The festival provides a sequence of a wide range of styles, a great opportunity for young aspiring musicians to work and perform together with the more established and such makes the Casa dei Mezzo Festival one of the most unique and intimate classical Summer festivals in Crete.

Sitia Sultanina Festival Sitia and the broader area is known for its production of sultaninas, a special kind of grape. A special festival that is held in mid-August each year and lasts for three days marks the start of the grape harvest and the wine made from them. The celebration includes a feast of traditional delicacies.