The Gramvousia is an institution, a set of
events with a cultural character that starts on August and lasts
more than a month. This is a very old tradition, about 25 years
old, organized by the Association of Kissamos Promotion
"Gramvousa." The program includes sports events and folklore,
literary and artistic nights and ,of course, the culmination of
events with the representation of the Cretan wedding.
Characteristic are the tributes to the life and work of
several important local people, and the concerts that take place in
Teloneio beach (next to the field), at Tzanakaki Square, and
various other locations of Kissamos.
The Gramvousia is a cultural event aimed to
highlight the place and help one become familiar with it, by
tradition, music, arts, sports.
Cretan wedding
Of the many
traditions and customs, that are kept by the cretan people from
the ancient times ,the uppermost custom stands out, the
Cretan wedding. The father, who is the head of the family, is
responsible for the approval of the marriage and the couple
intended to be spouses must follow his advice.
After the
approval of the father ,the logostemma (word or engagement)
takes place, at the home of the bride, the proukocharti (dowry) is
signed and the wedding date is set. Usually, the mystery took
place on Sundays, or other festive days.
Until the day of the
wedding ,the couple's relatives send the"kaniskia" (gifts),
usually wine, oil, cheese and meat. On the eve of the wedding, a
whole process is made to transfer the dowry from the bride's house
to the groom's house. The dowry is mainly linen, textiles and
household items and is carried on decorated horses. The procession
is followed by friends and relatives with lyres, songs and
shots.
On the wedding day , a procession begins from the
groom's house with destination the home of the bride. There a woman
is singing a mantinada in order to convince the parents of the
bride to open the door of their house, which by that time was
closed. Then, by the sound of the bell, they all go towards the
church for the conduct of the mystery.
After that, a feast with food and dance
that continued for the next two days followed.
Kissamos August
The Kissamos August is an institution that
began in Chania, was held for the first time in Kissamos in 2008,
and has ,since then, been established, and had a great success.
During this exhibition, local products are exhibited and
sold, traditional sweets, handmade creations and generally anything
that is produced in the area.
During this period, you can attend
lectures on various interesting topics, as well as , artistic
events, with Cretan tradition usually as a subject.
At the stage of the exhibition, arrives
and reaches its peak, the representation of Cretan Wedding (in med
August).
Folk (religious) Feasts
In the whole Crete, you will find many
churches located in caves, on mountain tops and inaccessible
coasts, which reveal the profoundly religious character of the
inhabitants. Chapels ,which in the past were a benchmark of
the local Christians, are now places of gathering and celebration
of the Saints along with traditional music and food. In many
villages, the feasts are an opportunity for great fun and
dancing.
Some of the major feasts in the region of Kissamos are the
following:
- July 27 Agios Panteleimon, Nopigia
- August 11 Agios Fotis, Falassarna
- August 15 Koimisi tis Theotokou, Chrysoskalitissa
- August 15 Koimisi tis Theotokou, Sirikari
- August 15 Koimisi tis Theotokou, Tylifo
- August 15 Panagia tis korifis, Voulgaro
- August 28 Ai giannis, Rodopou
- September 24 Panagia Myrtidiotissa , Nopigia (Choni)
Kissamos Carnival
The institution of the carnival in
Kissamos is very old, with some pauses from time to time,, but in
recent years it has been revived and is organized with great
success. Especially the carnival of 2010 had the greater
participation both in themes and crews of all ages. Crowds of
people ,who visited Kissamos throughout Crete. participated in the
event and celebrated until the morning.
During the preparations for the carnival,
the city is painted and acquires a special atmosphere due to other
smaller events ,like Treasure Hunt (action and knowledge team play)
and various carnival dances.
Great Friday BAZAAR
Since 2011 the Municipality of
Kissamos and the New Commercial Association of
Kissamos revived the traditional bazaar in the
picturesque Skalidi Street downtown. Every Great
Friday from early
morning street sidewalks Skalidi filled with
tables from local traders and producers.
Traditional Kissamos high quality
products such kalitsounia, cheeses, xerotigana,
donuts, wine, raki, wild greens,
olive oil, etc. which can of
course try to buy at very low price. In
the Bazaar you will
find clothes, shoes, handmade jewelry,
textiles and gifts for Easter at discount
prices by over 50%.
The cafes serve coffee, soft drinks, wine, raki
and Lenten dishes until late afternoon,
while at the
bazaar participate exhibitions and events.