
11th Cretan Cuisine Festival: A Celebration of Flavors, Tradition, and Culture

Embark on a gastronomic journey to the heart of Crete at the 11th Cretan Cuisine Festival, a unique event that honors the island’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. Join us on August 3rd, 2025, at 20:00 in Michail Katsamanis Square in Gazi, Malevizi, for an unforgettable evening filled with authentic recipes, local products, and vibrant live events.
For the eleventh consecutive year, cultural associations from all over Crete, with the invaluable support of the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Malevizi, and the Cultural Associations of Keramoutsi and Gazi, come together to showcase the authentic Cretan diet. This festival has become a Pan-Cretan institution, drawing strength from the traditions and the people of our land.
Guests will have the unique opportunity to witness live traditional cooking demonstrations, participate in hands-on workshops, and immerse themselves in the island’s customs. Experience the art of “paneroplektiki” (basket weaving), discover the secrets behind “xombliastes kouloures” (ornate pastries) and homemade “xinochondros” (a traditional dairy product), and enjoy the sweet tradition of “zacharrotes mantinades” (sugared poems). A special workshop for our younger guests will teach them how to make “ladenia koulourakia” (oil cookies).
The evening will be filled with the sounds of Cretan music performed by Manos Lyronis and his band, accompanied by traditional Cretan dances from the “Lazaros and Manolis Chnaris” Folklore Group.
Admission is free, and we invite all locals and visitors to honor our tradition with their presence. Come and taste, learn, and experience a unique event brimming with history and flavor.
Detailed Program
Date |
Time |
Location |
Description |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Official Start of the Festival |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Traditional Cooking Demonstrations by 20 Cultural Associations from across Crete. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Demonstration: The Art of “Paneroplektiki” (basket weaving) by Maria Kalentaki. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Demonstration: School meals in the ’40s and ’50s by the Cultural and Beautification Association of Polythea. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Workshop: “The xombliastes kouloures of Crete” by the Cultural Association of Kitharida. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Workshop: “Zacharotes mantinades” by the Cultural Association of Apostolians “OI APOSTOLOI”. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Workshop: “Homemade xinochondros” by the Cultural Association of Keramoutsi. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Children’s Workshop: “Ladenia koulourakia” by the Cultural Association of Gazi. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Workshop: “I collect traditional seeds” by Manolis Vardakis – Asterousia Farm. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Live Music: Manos Lyronis and his band. |
August 3, 2025 |
20:00 |
Michail Katsamanis Square, Gazi |
Traditional Cretan Dances: “Lazaros and Manolis Chnaris” Folklore Group. |