Carnival in Greece, has its roots in ancient ceremonies in honor of Dionysus, full of wine drinking and dancing from people in disguise, in order to exile evil spirits. Down the centuries some of the ancient ceremonies and traditions have been lost, but most have been absorbed into the Christian religion giving them a different meaning.

Dionysiac revelry took place in early Spring, as Dionysus symbolised life’s rebirth after Winter. Carnival in our days, is held in the same period without a fixed date, depending on the movable feast of Easter, a few days before people begin the long fast of Lent.

Carnival in Rethymno is one of the biggest and famous of its kind in Greece. People, locals and citizens from all over the Greece, organized in teams, make costumes and design their float focused on a different common theme every year. This year's theme is “LIVE, ACT, CREATE
”. On Sunday a big carnival parade take place through the city. Thousands of people dress up and enjoy the freedom of anonymity, dancing in the rhythm of music. It’s an event you must participate and feel the spirit of Greek carnival, if you going to visit Crete this period.

Rent a car at Crete offers you the best cars to visit Rethymno with safety and comfort to enjoy  carnival spirit. Our choice a Fiat Panda.