CULTURE

   Tradition and culture on Crete are very closely linked to another. Even today in some of the villages the traditional customs and way of life still exist, e.g. the man is the undisputable head of the family. The women have their freedom, but this doesn't include all rights by a long way. Most of the rights and duties of the women are restricted to bringing up the children and looking after the house. The men enjoy going to the cafenion where they spend hours. A cafenion is a bare, plain, simple room, in which the men read their newspapers, enjoy their coffee, play backgammon, discuss and of course during all this time they play with their Komboloi, a sort of rosary of beads.

   At every occasion the Cretans sing and dance. Particularly in the last years, the old folk dances are experiencing a comeback. Everything on this island is hotter. Words, songs, dances, love and hate as well as feelings and thinking. Most events and celebrations take place locally. The most important Greek-Orthodox celebration is Easter.

   One of the best characteristics of the Cretans is without doubt their hospitality. This has an ancient tradition on the island and that still applies today.

   On Crete not only is wine produced, but also drunken with pleasure. Greek food is usually served lukewarm, while cooking is done only once a day and the meals kept warm. During your trip through Cretan cuisine, don't forget that Cretan food doesn't just consist of "Greek salad" and "Tzatziki".

   Souvenirs at amazingly good value are on sale. Souvenirs such as lace tablecloths, leather bags and belts, pottery jugs and figurines.