The story
Rethymno Carnival in Rethymno
Rethymno Carnival traces its roots to 16th-century Venetian masked celebrations, with a documented modern first edition in 1914 and a citywide Treasure Hunt revived with organized competing teams in 1990. The month-long season builds toward a grand seafront parade, evenings of strolling kantades serenades through the old town, fireworks and the ritual burning of the Carnival King.
Rethymno's carnival traditions trace back to masked celebrations staged by the city's Venetian rulers in the 16th century, though the carnival's first documented modern edition dates to 1914, and the event as it exists today took shape gradually through the early twentieth century before expanding significantly after the 1970s.