The Cultural Association of Roustika, a village in the Rethymno region, is taking a profound step by organizing a traditional festival with a significant twist: it will be entirely alcohol-free. This pioneering event aims to send a powerful message about road safety and responsible celebration, challenging the notion that high spirits are dependent on alcoholic ones. It’s a symbolic initiative to raise awareness about the tragic consequences of drink-driving, a prevalent issue, especially during the festive summer months on Crete.

Attendees can expect a genuine Cretan celebration filled with vibrant music, traditional dancing, delicious local food, and the spirited exchange of mantinades (rhyming couplets). The event is a testament to the idea that the core of Cretan fun—the kefi—comes from the heart and community, not from a bottle. The initiative, led by the association’s president and lyra player, Alexandros (Nantis) Angelakis, has garnered support from families affected by road accidents, who see it as a meaningful gesture of respect for human life. This festival in the beautiful village of Roustika is set to be a memorable evening, proving that a great party is one where everyone returns home safely.