The Cultural Association of Smari presents the “11th Culture Festival,” a ten-day event taking place from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 17th, 2025. Organized with the support of the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, the Local Community of Smari, and the Parish of Smari, the festival is a celebration of local heritage, gastronomy, and arts, deeply rooted in the traditions of rural Crete.

The festival offers a diverse program of activities for all ages, with a special focus on the region’s strong connection to viticulture and traditional handicrafts. Throughout the event, two main exhibitions will be open daily from 18:00 to 22:00. The first, “On the paths of the vine: Roots in the soil, fruit in art,” will be hosted at the Cultural Center, exploring the significance of the grapevine. The second, “Handmade creations: Embroideries, knitwear, and memories,” will be on display at the Folklore House of Smari, showcasing intricate local textile arts.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with Cretan culture through live music performances, theatrical shows, traditional food evenings, and a variety of workshops. The event highlights local products and practices, with demonstrations on how to prepare traditional recipes such as grape spoon sweet, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), must-cookies, and petimezi (grape molasses). There will also be a revival of the traditional grape harvest and stomping, connecting the present day with the village’s rich past. All activities and exhibitions are free for the public to attend.

Event Program