
August Cultural & Religious Festival in Ano Asites 2025

A week of cultural and religious events is set to unfold in late August, offering a rich program that blends traditional Cretan festivities with theatre, children’s activities, and religious observances. The celebration, centered around community spaces like the local primary school and church square, showcases the vibrant cultural life of rural Crete, bringing together local talent and renowned artists for a series of memorable gatherings.
The festival provides a diverse array of experiences for all ages. Attendees can enjoy several evenings dedicated to authentic Cretan music and dance, known locally as glenti, featuring performances by well-known musicians from the island. The program also includes theatrical productions presented by local amateur troupes, one of which is a Cretan ethnography play depicting the traditional customs and way of life. For younger visitors, there are dedicated activities, including a clown show and survival-themed games. The cultural events are thoughtfully scheduled around the religious services for the feast of Saint John (Agios Ioannis), creating a celebration that honours both the spiritual and communal heritage of the area.
Event Program
Date |
Time |
Location |
Description/Details |
Saturday, 23 Aug 2025 |
21:00 |
Primary School Courtyard |
Cretan Feast with the band of Nektarios Samolis. Free entrance. |
Sunday, 24 Aug 2025 |
11:00 |
Playground |
“Survivor” survival games for children. Free entrance. |
Sunday, 24 Aug 2025 |
20:30 |
Primary School Courtyard |
Theatrical performance: “Gianta,” a Cretan ethnography play. Free entrance. |
Monday, 25 Aug 2025 |
21:00 |
Primary School Courtyard |
Cretan Feast with Giorgos & Nikos Stratakis. Entrance: €3. |
Tuesday, 26 Aug 2025 |
21:00 |
Agios Ioannis Square |
A clown and Karagiozis shadow theatre show for all ages. Free entrance. |
Wednesday, 27 Aug 2025 |
20:30 |
Agios Ioannis Square |
Theatrical performance: “The Three Insatiables.” Free entrance. |
Thursday, 28 Aug 2025 |
19:00 |
Holy Church of Agios Ioannis |
Evening Vespers service. |
Thursday, 28 Aug 2025 |
21:00 |
Primary School Courtyard |
Cretan music night with Michalis Kopidakis & Giorgis Liapakis. Free entrance. |
Friday, 29 Aug 2025 |
07:30 |
Holy Church of Agios Ioannis |
Divine Liturgy. |
Friday, 29 Aug 2025 |
21:00 |
Primary School Courtyard |
Cretan Feast with Nikos & Antonis Xylouris. Entrance: €3. |