| A part of Crete where life is uncomplicated, | | | | Cretan spring carnival. Heavily rooted in the ancient |
| straightforward, and undemanding--the small village of | | | | ceremonies of the islands, the carnival was a |
| Plakias is one of the finest remote areas of the island | | | | celebration to help the island send out roots and |
| that allow tourists to find holidays to Crete smooth | | | | shoots for the growth of the earth. During the island |
| and tranquil. Over time, this level of popularity among | | | | carnivals, locals and visitors dress up with masks that |
| tourists has allowed Plakias to become a middle-sized | | | | go back to the satirical and comedy drama of early |
| resort area that has retained the traditional charm of | | | | Greece-similar to the Harlequin look of New Orleans |
| its earlier days. Tourists who visit the island to enjoy | | | | during their Mardi Gras. A history of leaping dances |
| the holidays to Crete usually find the residents of | | | | and disguises were originally intended to ward off evil |
| Plakias in full swing, preparing for the holidays and | | | | spirits. The Rethymnon Carnival nearby to Plakias is |
| celebrations that are held throughout the year. Small | | | | one of the larger carnivals of the island. Many carnival |
| villages in particular enjoy the festive activities as a | | | | traditions need to be followed for three weeks |
| way to get together and have a good time with the | | | | before Easter for locals and visitors alike (called |
| village residents and tourists. | | | | "Apokries"): |
| When everyone gets done preparing for the | | | | The festival begins with fun and masquerade, |
| ceremonies, there is always time leftover for holiday | | | | historically originating from Dionysus-the god of wine. |
| sightseeing. Swimming, sailing, and scuba diving are on | | | | This festival follows the current Easter feast of the |
| the top of the list for visitors and guests. Sun beds | | | | Greek Orthodox holiday. |
| and umbrellas are not free, as in Greece the man | | | | The second week of Apokries allows the |
| who owns the beach supplies has to pay to put | | | | individual to eat meat every day, even on fasting |
| them up on a section of the beach. The owner of | | | | days. |
| the sun beds and umbrellas has to keep his | | | | The ceremonies and festivities start on Thursday |
| temporary purchased land clean, which requires a fee | | | | of the second carnival week, known as |
| to use his merchandise. Otherwise, he will be in | | | | Tsiknopempti. Meat is cooked everywhere so the |
| trouble with the tourist police. Prices he charges will | | | | smoke fills the air to inform everyone feast day has |
| depend on the location of the beach and what it | | | | arrived. |
| offers-toilets, showers and nearby access to taverns | | | | Masqueraders begin to appear and the beginnings |
| and cafes. | | | | of the carnival parties are held. Pubs and taverns are |
| What makes Plakias so enjoyable and unique during | | | | filled, with all kinds of costumes available to be hired. |
| the holidays to Crete celebrations are the many island | | | | The third carnival week is called "Tyrini", where |
| customs that have been carried down over the | | | | no meat is eaten but dairy products are allowed. |
| years by the residents. Tourism has changed some | | | | The carnival of Apokria ends on the first day of |
| of these customs since 1970, but in the smaller | | | | Lent, called Clean Monday. Countryside picnics are |
| villages and isolated areas like Plakias, many are still | | | | held on this day, with everyone flying homemade |
| present. | | | | kites on the end of these particular holidays to Crete. |
| One of the most popular Crete celebrations is the | | | | |