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
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
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| Copyright 2004-2008 Carol Palioudaki. Crete culture and people. Living in Crete www.livingincrete.net |
| Living in Crete |
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| Culture & People |
Index > Greek Life > Culture and People
| Cretan Culture & People |
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_____________________________________________________________
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
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