Exceptionally rich and lively is the folk culture of Crete, and varied are the style, variations and nuances from one area to another.
According to experts, few are the places in the world where folk art remains so alive and is renewed and evolves so creatively as in Crete. Almost all of the island’s inhabitants can play musical instruments - the lyre, the lute, the mandolin, the guitar, the violin, which here in the east has a long tradition. In fact, over the last few years, there have been young musicians in Crete with an impeccable theoretical education and a deep knowledge of the local tradition but also of other music traditions, who make new music, renewing and giving new dimensions to the island’s musical tradition in a truly remarkable way.
In the inland, at almost every village, fabulous glendia (traditional parties) are organised every summer; at those parties, in addition to the abundant wine, the exquisite traditional dishes, the Cretan titbits and the sweets made by the village housewives themselves, one can enjoy wonderful moments and unforgettable experiences to the tunes of authentic Cretan music and the local dances. The amazing tunes are a trademark for eastern Crete; they remain alive and can be heard in village fêtes, traditional parties (glendia), musical events and among groups of friends, whereas masterly extracts from the Erotokritos epic poem by Vincenzo Cornaro and of course by the inexhaustible folk muse are sung at every opportunity.
Folk art as well, with handicrafts and home-made goods, has utterly flourished in this land. The extensive wealth of woven items, embroidery, garments, jewellery, musical instruments and objects carved in wood, ceramics, folk painting, religious painting and other artefacts can be admired in the folk art museums of the towns and of many villages, whereas there are workshops and Greek art shops at the towns and villages where one can buy souvenirs and useful everyday items.
