Crete

Folklore evening

Join us for an unforgettable night out in the mountain village of Arolithos.  The friendly locals from the taverna greet us with a warm welcome and a glass of “raki “ – maybe “fire water” is a better word for it! – and a few snacks are also offered to help it down. A short stroll will take you to the village church, which is beautifully decorated with Byzantine frescoes and icons. The gold chandeliers are stunningly impressive but are lit only for special occasions.

On your way back to the taverna, you may not be able to resist the lovely handicrafts displayed in the little village shops. Our evening starts with a delicious variety of traditional Greek dishes, and of course, there’s plenty of wine to get the taste buds tingling. Cretan and Greek music and dances are performed by the talented local musicians and dancers in their colourful costumes. There is a story behind every song and every dance, dating back as far as the 17th century when the “lyra” (local musical instrument) was first introduced. Songs were used by the Cretans as a way of secret communication during the Turkish occupation. During this lively evening, you’ll have the opportunity to join in the dancing and learn Cretan pentozali  and syrtaki.