Annual Celebrations:
- Carnival (February-March): Three weeks of parades, costumes, music, and street celebrations preceding Lent
- Easter (varies): Most important religious celebration with candlelit processions, special services, feasts, and fireworks
- Rethymno Carnival Festival (February): Nearby elaborate celebrations with masquerades and public festivities
- Festival of the Virgin Mary (August 15): Religious celebrations and festivities across the island
- Summer Cultural Festival (June-September): Performances, theater, music at various venues
- Wine Festival (September): Celebrations of wine harvest with tastings and cultural events
National Holidays: New Year (Jan 1), Epiphany (Jan 6), Independence Day (Mar 25), Easter, Labor Day (May 1), Ascension, Assumption (Aug 15), Ochi Day (Oct 28), Christmas (Dec 25-26).