Attend Sitia cultural events and take a taste of local tradition! There is a variety of cultural events taking place in Sitia Crete both in summertime and in autumn. Here are the most popular ones.
One of the most renowned events in Sitia is the “Kornareia” Festival, named after the great poet Vintsentzos Kornaros, author of “Erotokritos”, who was born in Sitia. The festival takes place at the Venetian Fortress “Kazarma” and along the port throughout July and August and you will have the chance to attend theatrical plays and concerts. You will find a leaflet of the festival schedule in your apartment, so as to get informed about all scheduled events of the festival.
In summer –just for a few days though- there is an exhibition of handmade works of art. It usually takes place at the port and the amateur artists display jewellery, painted items and other handmade pieces of art, all available for sale, making the perfect souvenir from Crete.
Throughout July and August there are many fairs at nearby villages about a 15-30 minute drive from Sitia. Fairs are organized in honour of saints and include feasts with traditional Cretan music and dancing and great local dishes. It is a perfect chance to enjoy the sound of traditional music and relish Cretan cuisine, as well as watch the most famous of Greek dances. Some of the most popular fairs are the fair of Santa Marina (July 17), the fair of Santa Paraskevi (July 26), the fair of Saint Panteleimon (July 27), the fair of the Dormition of Our Lady (August 15) etc.
While in Sitia, visitors should try the local delicacies served at the many tavernas, restaurants and ouzeries in the area, such as dakos (Cretan barley rusks with chopped tomato and feta cheese, soaked in olive oil and a little water), baked eggplant, chochlious with rice (traditionally cooked escargot), fresh seafood, parsley salad, raisin pie, kaltsounia (sweet cheese pastries) and the potent alcoholic drink “raki”. Sitia offers a wide variety of clubs and bars that stay open till late.
If you are visiting Crete in late October, you could take part in the distillation procedure of the local drink “raki”, which is accompanied by a lot of eating, drinking and having fun.