A Night of Cretan Music, Tradition & Tsikoudia (Raki)
Saturday, 3 October 2026 | 20:00 | Palia Vrisi, Pitsidia
Autumn in southern Crete has its own rhythm. The busy summer season slowly comes to an end, the grapes have been harvested – and across the villages of the Messara, the season of the rakokazana, the traditional raki distilleries, begins.
In Pitsidia, this is celebrated with one of the village’s favourite annual events: the Raki Festival (Giorti Rakis). This year, the festival takes place on Saturday, 3 October 2026, starting at 20:00 at Palia Vrisi (Old Fountain) in Pitsidia.
Raki Festival Pitsidia 2026
The Raki Festival is much more than an evening dedicated to Crete’s famous spirit. It is a celebration of village life, harvest time and the traditions that have connected Cretan families for generations.
Raki – or tsikoudia, as it is known on Crete – is produced from the grape pomace left after winemaking. In autumn, the distillation season traditionally becomes a social occasion: friends and neighbours gather around the kazani, sharing food, stories, music and, of course, freshly distilled raki.
The annual festival in Pitsidia brings this tradition into the heart of the village. Visitors can experience a lively Cretan evening with raki, local food, traditional music and dancing.
Live Cretan Music with Alexandros Papadakis
Music will once again be at the centre of the evening.
For the 2026 Raki Festival, Cretan musician Alexandros Papadakis and his band will perform live. He will be joined by Nikolas Troulinos and Giorgos Periklakis on laouto.
If you have never experienced a real Cretan glenti, this is a wonderful opportunity. Don’t expect a concert where everybody remains quietly in their seats. As the evening progresses, tables fill, glasses are raised, people join the dancing and the celebration often takes on a life of its own.
A Local Festival Worth Experiencing
What makes the Raki Festival special is its setting.
Palia Vrisi – the Old Fountain – in Pitsidia is closely connected with village life, and the Cultural Association of Pitsidia–Matala has been organising the Raki Festival here for years.
It is one of those evenings when visitors and locals naturally mix. You don’t need to know the dances, speak Greek or understand every Cretan song. Find a table, order something to eat, accept the inevitable glass of raki and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Raki Festival Pitsidia 2026 – Event Information
Raki Festival / Giorti Rakis 2026
Where: Palia Vrisi (Old Fountain), Pitsidia
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Start: 20:00
Live music: Alexandros Papadakis with Nikolas Troulinos & Giorgos Periklakis
Reservations: +30 698 404 6173
The event is organised by the Cultural Association of Pitsidia–Matala.
KRETA INSIDE Tip
Come hungry, don’t drive if you plan to drink – and don’t leave too early.
Cretan festivals have their own timetable. At 20:00 the evening may still feel relaxed, but later the music, dancing and atmosphere really begin to build.
For anyone visiting Pitsidia, Matala, Kamilari, Kalamaki or the surrounding Messara region in early October, the Raki Festival is a lovely opportunity to experience southern Crete beyond the beaches and summer season.
Saturday, 3 October – see you in Pitsidia. And as we say in Crete: Stin ygeia mas! 🥃
