Cretan Nutritional Culture: Land – Food – Health
June 26 - June 30
Check also the Facebook event page – https://web.facebook.com/events/1768883654031259/
The annual “Cretan Nutritional Culture: Land – Food – Health” festival is set to return from June 26th to 30th, 2025, for a vibrant celebration of Cretan heritage. This year, the heart of the festivities will be in the historic village of Episkopi, Municipality of Hersonissos, with a program of cultural events also extending to the surrounding villages of Aitania, Anopoli, Galipe, Galifa, Elia, Epano & Kato Vathia, Kainourgio Chorio, Sgourokefali, Skopela, and Stamnoi.
Organized by the Educational Development PLOIGOS and supported financially by the Region of Crete, this unique institution travels to a different area of the Cretan countryside each year. The event’s mission is to honor and showcase the deep-rooted local traditions that form the foundation of the world-renowned Cretan diet, highlighting the rural landscape as its ultimate guardian.
The festival is designed as a vital meeting point for dialogue, networking, and action, bringing together locals, producers, artists, and international guests. A special feature of the 2025 edition is a collaboration with the “Saboris Antigus” (Old Flavors) institution from Sardinia, which will facilitate a rich cultural exchange.
Attendees are invited on a four-day journey to experience authentic flavors, traditional music, insightful discussions, and the warm hospitality of Crete. The event offers an opportunity to explore the island’s gastronomic legacy, from its ancient olive groves and vineyards to its contemporary culinary scene.
Admission to all events is free.
Detailed Event Program
Date & Day |
Time (EEST) |
Location |
Event Description & Details |
Thursday, June 26 |
19:30 |
Hall of the Agricultural Cooperative, Episkopi |
Photo Exhibition Opening: “The rural heritage of the villages of Episkopi and Sardinia’s ‘Saboris Antigus’.” |
20:15 |
Old Olive Press (Outdoor Area), Episkopi |
Welcome & Presentations: Greetings from Cretan and Sardinian officials and presentations on the festival’s mission. |
|
20:45 |
Alleys of Episkopi |
Kantada (Traditional Serenade): A musical walk through the village streets with local treats. |
|
20:45 |
Museum Courtyard, Episkopi |
Children’s Zone: Traditional baking activities and a “Pie Festival.” |
|
21:15 |
Agios Minas Square, Episkopi |
Cretan Music Night: Live music by Tassos Angelakis & more, with traditional dancing by the “Istamnos” workshop. |
|
Friday, June 27 |
19:00 |
Hall of the Agricultural Cooperative, Episkopi |
Conference: “The Importance of Identity: places, people, products.” |
21:00 |
Agios Minas Square & Alleys, Episkopi |
Olive Oil Competition Awards & Cuisine Showcase: Featuring local dishes from Crete and Sardinia. |
|
22:00 |
Agios Minas Square, Episkopi |
Popular Greek Music Night: Live music with Maria Antoniou, Angelos Arvanitis, and more. |
|
Sunday, June 29 |
18:15 |
Primary School Courtyard, Kainourgio Chorio |
Children’s Zone: “Nature’s Fairytale” storytelling with author Eleni Beteinaki. |
19:30 |
Venetian Wine Press, Kainourgio Chorio |
Guided Tour: Archaeologist Giorgos Katsalis on “The Wine Press of Kainourgio Chorio and its era.” |
|
20:00 |
Wine Museum Square, Kainourgio Chorio |
Conference on Wine Heritage: “The wine tradition and heritage of Crete,” with wine tastings. |
|
21:30 |
Square of Kainourgio Chorio |
Concert: Stelios Petrakis Trio: A performance by the acclaimed Cretan lyra and laouto player. |
|
Monday, June 30 |
20:00 |
G. Panagiotaki Municipal Park, Episkopi |
Music & Discussion: Featuring world-renowned musician Ross Daly and researcher Stelios Elliniadis. |
21:30 |
G. Panagiotaki Municipal Park, Episkopi |
Closing Concert: A final musical celebration with Ross Daly, Giorgos Manolakis, and Zoi Papadantonaki. |
Note: The photography exhibition “Rural heritage of the villages of Episkopi & Sardinia” will be open for the entire duration of the festival in the Hall of the Agricultural Cooperative of Episkopi.