Crete has a rich cultural history. From the Minoans through the Roman, Turkish
and German occupation to the present day democracy, traces of Crete's history
remain throughout the island: the Archaeological sites at Knossos and Phaistos,
Byzantine churches and monasteries, Venetian and Neoclassical architecture, even
minarets and mosques.
Cretan music and traditional dances play an important part in life in Crete and will
be seen and heard at most festivals and parties.
The Crete of today is very different from the Crete I first encountered 20 years
ago. EU integration and modernisation has had a huge impact on local culture and
attitudes.
The youth of today are mostly independent and well educated. Girls as well as
boys are encouraged to study hard and go on to university. Boys are required to
do National Service from the age of 18, or after they finish their college or
university studies. Family is still important and ties remain strong, although divorce
rates have started rising
There is, though, a contrast between town and village life. Many villages still retain
the ' old ' way of life - men in the cafeneons sipping Greek coffee and raki while
women gather outside their homes, crocheting and gossiping together. These are
mostly older people, the younger generations having moved out of villages to the
more 'sophisticated' town life.
Tourism has also made its mark on the island. Parts of the North coast in particular
have seen villages expand to become large resorts.
But the famous Cretan hospitality is still very much in evidence. Don't be surprised
if friendly neighbours occasionally bring you fresh eggs, home grown vegetables
and fruit.
Much of the Greek culture revolves around the Greek Orthodox church which is
instrumental in the daily life and cultural traditions of the Cretans and 97% of the
population are Greek Orthodox. Religious holidays are rigidly observed; some are
designated as National Holidays and others are celebrated with colourful festivals.
Name Days are celebrated in Crete and Greece, as opposed to birthdays.
Orthodox Greek name days are the feast days of saints. Children are usually
named after one of the Christian saints and so celebrate their nameday on their
name-sakes saints day more
and German occupation to the present day democracy, traces of Crete's history
remain throughout the island: the Archaeological sites at Knossos and Phaistos,
Byzantine churches and monasteries, Venetian and Neoclassical architecture, even
minarets and mosques.
Cretan music and traditional dances play an important part in life in Crete and will
be seen and heard at most festivals and parties.
The Crete of today is very different from the Crete I first encountered 20 years
ago. EU integration and modernisation has had a huge impact on local culture and
attitudes.
The youth of today are mostly independent and well educated. Girls as well as
boys are encouraged to study hard and go on to university. Boys are required to
do National Service from the age of 18, or after they finish their college or
university studies. Family is still important and ties remain strong, although divorce
rates have started rising
There is, though, a contrast between town and village life. Many villages still retain
the ' old ' way of life - men in the cafeneons sipping Greek coffee and raki while
women gather outside their homes, crocheting and gossiping together. These are
mostly older people, the younger generations having moved out of villages to the
more 'sophisticated' town life.
Tourism has also made its mark on the island. Parts of the North coast in particular
have seen villages expand to become large resorts.
But the famous Cretan hospitality is still very much in evidence. Don't be surprised
if friendly neighbours occasionally bring you fresh eggs, home grown vegetables
and fruit.
Much of the Greek culture revolves around the Greek Orthodox church which is
instrumental in the daily life and cultural traditions of the Cretans and 97% of the
population are Greek Orthodox. Religious holidays are rigidly observed; some are
designated as National Holidays and others are celebrated with colourful festivals.
Name Days are celebrated in Crete and Greece, as opposed to birthdays.
Orthodox Greek name days are the feast days of saints. Children are usually
named after one of the Christian saints and so celebrate their nameday on their
name-sakes saints day more
| Copyright 2004-2012 Carol Palioudaki. Crete culture and people. Living in Crete www.livingincrete.net |
| Living in Crete |
 |  |  |  |
| Culture & People |
Index > Greek Life > Culture and People
| Cretan Culture & People |
_____________________________________________________________
This excerpt is based on the book
"Living in Crete. A Guide to Living, working,
Retiring & Buying Property in Crete"
click here to get a copy
_____________________________________________________________
This excerpt is based on the book
"Living in Crete. A Guide to Living, working,
Retiring & Buying Property in Crete"
click here to get a copy
_____________________________________________________________
Index > Greek Life > Culture and People
Forum
| Back to Greek Life Index |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |