Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as the Rethymno Carnival returns in 2025, marking an incredible 111 years of tradition since its debut in 1914!

Step into the heart of Rethymno, where the city transforms into a lively carnival paradise filled with laughter, dazzling performances, and an electrifying atmosphere. With its charming streets and mild weather, Rethymno offers a more intimate yet equally thrilling alternative to larger festival destinations.

Join in the fun with a series of spectacular events leading up to the grand festivities. From humorous performances honoring the "King of the Carnival" to vibrant parades and themed treasure hunts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s 27th Rethymno Children's Treasure Hunt, themed "AI Out of Control!", follows the adventures of Josef, a scientist who once called Rethymno home as a child. With around 20,000 participants and over 100,000 expected visitors, the Grand Parade promises a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.

All photos were taken by me from the carnival in the city of Rethymno in 2024, you can see them at the link https://fionovdenys.gallery.photo/gallery/carnival-in-rethymno-2024/

Carnival Highlights & Key Dates

The festivities kick off on February 7th and continue for three incredible weeks, featuring a variety of events, including street parties, parades, concerts, and cultural traditions.

📅 Key Events to Look Forward To:

• February 9 – 27th Rethymno Children's Treasure Hunt (AI Out of Control!) & Grand Opening

Enjoy fireworks, satirical performances, live music, and thrilling surprises!

• February 20 – Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday)

Savor delicious barbecued dishes, enjoy Cretan delicacies, and dance at lively street parties.

• February 28 – Serenade Tradition

Experience a magical musical journey through Rethymno’s historic streets, blending past and present.

• March 1 – Municipal Choir Parade & Night Parade

Watch the city come alive with choirs, musicians, and carnivalists, followed by an exciting nighttime parade ending with a grand party.

• March 2 – Grand Parade

Witness thousands of costumed participants and colorful floats made from recycled materials in a breathtaking display of creativity and celebration.

• March 3 – Koulouma (Shrove Monday)

Close the festivities with a traditional feast of vegetarian delights while colorful kites fill the sky above the beach and countryside.

Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in one of Crete’s most spectacular cultural events. The Rethymno Carnival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience of joy, music, and tradition!

Rethymno Carnival: Crete’s Most Vibrant Celebration

The Rethymno Carnival is one of Crete’s most spectacular and cherished festivals, bringing together tradition, creativity, and an incredible sense of community. Held annually in the charming town of Rethymno, this month-long celebration is a colorful blend of ancient Greek customs, Venetian elegance, and modern revelry, drawing thousands of enthusiastic participants and visitors from across Greece and beyond.

More than just a parade, the Rethymno Carnival is an immersive cultural experience, featuring music, dance, theater, and endless festivities that sweep through the city’s narrow streets and picturesque squares. From masked balls to whimsical treasure hunts, this carnival is a true testament to Crete’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit.

A Month of Festivities: Highlights of the Rethymno Carnival

Unlike many carnivals that last just a few days, Rethymno’s celebrations unfold over several weeks, culminating in an unforgettable Grand Parade.

📜 Opening Ceremony & Traditional Announcements
The carnival officially begins when a lively town crier proclaims the start of the festivities, setting the stage for a series of exciting events.

🎭 Children’s & Adults’ Treasure Hunts
A much-anticipated part of the carnival, treasure hunts for both children and adults add a fun and competitive twist to the celebration, with creative themes that change each year.

💃 Dancing & Serenades in the Old Town
Throughout the festival, traditional carnival dance performances take place in the city’s squares. As evening falls, the streets echo with the sound of "kantades", where groups of musicians serenade passersby with romantic and playful songs.

🚢 The Spectacular Carnival Parade
The highlight of the celebration is the grand Carnival Parade, featuring:

Magnificent floats (armas), often inspired by satire, mythology, and pop culture.
Thousands of costumed revelers, showcasing dazzling and imaginative outfits.
A festive energy unlike any other, as laughter and music fill the streets.

🔥 Burning of the Carnival King
A powerful symbolic moment, the festival concludes with the burning of the Carnival King, an enormous effigy that represents the farewell to excess before the solemnity of Lent begins. This fiery spectacle lights up the night sky, creating an unforgettable finale to the month-long celebrations.

🎶 The Final Street Party
Even after the parade, the festivities continue late into the night, with open-air parties, live music, and endless dancing, ensuring the carnival spirit lives on for just a little longer.

Fascinating Facts About Rethymno Carnival

🕰 A Celebration Over a Century Old
The Rethymno Carnival has a long and rich history, with records of its first official celebration dating back more than 100 years.

🏆 A Guinness World Record Holder
In 2017, Rethymno made history by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest treasure hunt, with over 1,300 participants taking part in the challenge.

🎭 A True Community Effort
The magic of the carnival is brought to life by dedicated local groups, who spend months designing and crafting elaborate costumes, floats, and performances.

🎭 Venetian Influence & Theatrical Elegance
Rethymno’s deep Venetian roots are evident throughout the carnival, from the elaborate masks and period costumes to the dramatic street performances reminiscent of Venice’s famed Carnevale.

🌿 Clean Monday: A New Beginning
The day after the carnival, known as "Clean Monday" (Koulouma), marks the beginning of Lent. It is traditionally celebrated with picnics, vegetarian delicacies, and kite flying, offering a serene contrast to the high-energy festivities of the carnival.

Experience the Magic of Rethymno Carnival 2025!

Whether you’re drawn to the lively street parties, the spectacular parade, or the rich cultural traditions, the Rethymno Carnival promises a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Mark your calendars and get ready to be swept up in the magic of Crete’s most vibrant festival!

Friends, if you need a photographer or videographer on the island of Crete, you can always contact me

  As a wedding photographer based in the stunning island of Crete, I've witnessed countless beautiful ceremonies and celebrations. Through my lens, I've learned what truly matters in making a bride's special day unforgettable. While every wedding is unique, certain elements consistently contribute to a bride's happiness and comfort throughout her celebration.

Timing is Everything

The most radiant bridal photos come from a relaxed bride who isn't rushing between events. I always advise couples to build buffer time into their schedule – especially during the morning preparations. Those quiet moments before the ceremony often produce the most intimate and emotional shots, capturing the anticipation and joy that make wedding photography so special.

The Power of Golden Hour

Crete's natural beauty provides an incomparable backdrop for wedding photography, but timing is crucial. I recommend scheduling key photography sessions during the "golden hour" – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft Mediterranean light during these times creates magical portraits that brides absolutely adore.

A Trusted Support System

Having the right people around during preparations makes an enormous difference. I've noticed that brides are happiest when surrounded by a small group of their closest friends or family members who can keep the atmosphere calm and positive. This natural support system leads to genuine smiles and laughter that translate beautifully on camera.

Preserving Precious Moments

While formal portraits are important, the most treasured images often capture unexpected moments – a father's tears, a spontaneous dance, or a quiet exchange between newlyweds. As your photographer, my role extends beyond taking pictures; I'm there to document these fleeting instances that tell your unique love story.

The Details Matter

Every bride puts tremendous thought into her wedding details – from the intricate lace on her dress to the delicate flower arrangements. I make sure to capture these elements early in the day, before the celebrations begin. These photos help tell the complete story of your wedding day and preserve the memories of all the careful planning that went into making it special.

Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of love, and the most beautiful photographs come from moments of genuine joy. As your photographer in Crete, my goal is to help you stay present and relaxed, knowing that every precious moment is being captured for you to treasure forever.

Rethymno Marina, located on the northern coast of Crete, is a charming and scenic harbor that welcomes sailors, yacht owners, and visitors seeking a taste of maritime elegance. Situated next to the city's historic Venetian harbor, the marina offers a blend of modern facilities and traditional Cretan beauty, making it a perfect subject for aerial photography and videography.

Aerial Views of Rethymno Marina

Captured from above, the marina reveals a stunning layout of yachts and boats docked in neat rows, their reflections shimmering on the turquoise waters. The surrounding promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, adds to the lively atmosphere, while the Venetian Fortezza in the background provides a breathtaking contrast between old and new.

Yachts and Boats in the Marina

Rethymno Marina hosts a variety of vessels, from small fishing boats to luxury yachts. Some are privately owned, while others are available for charter, offering excursions along Crete’s rugged coastline. Many yachts in the marina belong to travelers exploring the Greek islands, creating a dynamic mix of local and international sailors. The well-maintained docks and amenities ensure a comfortable stay for those arriving by sea.

The Perfect Spot for Photography

Flying a drone over the marina offers a unique perspective, capturing the symmetry of the docks, the movement of boats entering and leaving the port, and the vibrant contrast between the deep blue sea and the city’s architecture. Whether during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset or in the midday sun, Rethymno Marina is a fantastic place to document the beauty of Crete’s maritime culture.

If you're planning to visit Rethymno, don’t miss the chance to walk along the marina, admire the yachts, and If you want to take photos or videos in this place, write to me.

In the heart of Crete's winter, when the ancient stones of Knossos stand silent against steel-gray skies, visual artists find themselves in an unusual position. The bustling summer months, filled with wedding celebrations and tourist photoshoots, feel like a distant memory. Our cameras and drones, usually busy capturing sun-drenched memories for visitors, rest quietly in their cases.

Yet this seasonal lull brings its own kind of magic. While our booking calendars may be sparse, winter in Crete offers a different canvas altogether. The island transforms into a more intimate version of itself, freed from the summer crowds. The narrow streets of old towns, typically packed with tourists seeking the perfect Instagram moment, now belong to the locals and the occasional cat seeking shelter from the Mediterranean rain.

During these quieter months, I've discovered that my drone becomes less of a work tool and more of an adventure companion. On clear winter days, when the north winds pause their eternal dance with the island's shores, I take to the skies. From above, Crete reveals a different face – olive groves silvered by winter light, mountains crowned with unexpected snow, and coastlines where winter waves crash against empty beaches.

The waiting period between client bookings stretches like the long shadows of winter afternoons. But this time isn't wasted – it's invested in exploration. Some days, I wander through mountain villages where elderly locals, no longer busy with summer visitors, have time to share stories over cups of mountain tea. Other days, I scout new locations, marking spots where the winter light creates particularly dramatic scenes, mentally filing them away for future shoots.

This seasonal pause also offers something increasingly rare in our profession: time for creative experimentation. Without the pressure of immediate deadlines, there's freedom to play with new techniques, master complex drone maneuvers, or simply capture the island's winter mood for personal projects.

Yes, our phones may be quieter now, with fewer booking inquiries coming in. But in exchange, we get to experience and document a side of Crete that most visitors never see – an island wrapped in winter's contemplative embrace, waiting for spring's inevitable return.

Capturing Your Dream Wedding in Paradise: Wedding Videography in Crete

Against the backdrop of ancient olive groves and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, your wedding story deserves to be told with the same timeless beauty as the island itself. As a dedicated wedding videographer based in Crete, I transform your precious moments into cinematic masterpieces that you'll treasure for generations to come.

A Unique Perspective on Your Special Day

Every wedding in Crete offers its own magical elements – whether it's the golden light of sunset over Balos Lagoon, the charming streets of Chania's Old Town, or the dramatic cliffs of Elounda. My approach combines artistic vision with technical expertise to capture not just the events, but the emotions, atmosphere, and subtle details that make your celebration unique.

Professional Service from Planning to Delivery

Your wedding journey begins long before the actual day. I work closely with each couple to understand their vision, scout perfect locations, and coordinate with other vendors to ensure every significant moment is captured flawlessly. Using state-of-the-art equipment and drawing from years of experience filming in Crete's diverse settings, I create wedding films that perfectly balance natural documentary style with cinematic flair.

Packages and Services

• Each wedding video package is tailored to your specific needs, including:
• Full ceremony coverage
• Getting ready moments
• Reception highlights
• Drone footage of your venue and Crete's stunning landscapes
• Professional audio recording of vows and speeches
• Highlight reels perfect for social media sharing

Why Choose Crete for Your Wedding Video

Crete offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern luxury. From intimate beach ceremonies to grand celebrations in historic venues, every location provides a stunning canvas for your wedding film. As a videographer who knows the island intimately, I can help you choose the perfect locations and timing to achieve the most breathtaking footage.

Contact me today to discuss how we can create a timeless record of your wedding day in one of the world's most beautiful destinations.

The medieval streets of Rethymno are buzzing with anticipation as the city prepares for its beloved carnival, one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations in Crete. The recent selection of this year's Carnival Queen has marked the official countdown to the festivities, sending a wave of excitement through the city's narrow alleyways and picturesque harbor.
Along the old town's Venetian-style buildings, colorful banners and decorations are beginning to appear, transforming the historic center into a canvas of festive cheer. Local shopkeepers display elaborate masks and costumes in their windows. I would like to remind you that the best carnival costumes, masks, face paints and everything else you need to celebrate the carnival can be bought in several AGORA stores in the old center of Rethymno.
In the evenings, the sound of rehearsing carnival bands echoes through the streets as local groups perfect their performances for the grand parade. The newly crowned Carnival Queen, accompanied by her entourage, makes appearances at various pre-carnival events, building excitement for the main celebration.
The city's rich carnival tradition, which blends Cretan cultural elements with the joyous spirit of Venice's carnival influence, promises another unforgettable celebration. From the local tavernas preparing special carnival menus to the workshops where toys-makers work tirelessly on their creations, every corner of Rethymno is embracing the carnival spirit.

Hello friends, today I want to show you how you can see Crete if you come to see it in winter. Winter and spring are the time when all the colors and all the plants and blades of grass bloom on this island. Сomfortable weather will allow you to travel at any time of the day without fear of heat. Of course, it happens that a week of rain can ruin your mood for traveling, but you can always check the weather forecast. The photographs below show the landscapes that are around the city of Rethymno. I drove literally 20 minutes into the mountains.

In winter, Crete is very quiet, without a large influx of tourists, the mountains are covered with snow and sometimes it rains. It's time for rest and travel, thinking about plans for the new season. There is also time for shooting creative projects both in photo and video.

📷 Professional Photography & Videography on Crete 🎥

I am a photographer and videographer based on the beautiful island of Crete, offering a range of creative and personalized services. Whether you’re looking for stunning portraits, intimate couple sessions, or elegant nude photography, I create a comfortable and professional environment to capture your vision.

✨ Services Offered:
✅ Wedding & Engagement Photography
✅ Romantic & Couple Sessions
✅ Private Nude & Boudoir Photography
✅ Vacation & Lifestyle Shoots
✅ Real Estate & Villa Photography
✅ Professional Video Production

Each session is tailored to your preferences, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience with beautiful, artistic results.

📍 Available across Crete | 📩 DM for inquiries & bookings

I recently did a nude photo shoot for a wonderful model on the island of Crete. It was a great experience, we found a good place and the photos turned out very decent in my opinion.

 https://fionovdenys.gallery.photo/gallery/salome/  ( password: salome )

Winter time in Crete is wonderful because the mountains are finally covered with green grass, unlike the scorched stones of summer. Often meet friends in other cities, go for a ride, eat in restaurants look at the street without crowds of tourists. Below in the photos Chania, Rethymno, and all Crete, because every day you walk, every day you see something new, every day in new places.