Revelling in Rethymno
Rethymno is a charming and picturesque city, a land with an intense character and identity. Like a fairytale magic potion, it gently weaves its way into the hearts of travellers, filling them with unforgettable memories. Time seems to stand still here, as we never want the beauty to end. Flavours, experiences, and countless entertainment options compose a setting where life lets loose creatively.
The Soul of Tradition
Behind the city's stately façade, we discover an authentic Cretan soul resonating with the kondylies melodies of the lyra (three-stringed bowed instrument) and comes alive in the dance moves of a fast pentozali dance. Renowned musicians and skilled dancers, Rethymniots transform every occasion into a celebration, and an authentic Cretan glendi, a feast, begins. Lyra and lagouto (a lute-type instrument) players, most self-taught yet remarkably skilled, set the tone, and passion is expressed through the intricate dance moves. These movements are intense and strong, and they follow steps that only Cretan boots can execute. This is where the black-shirted men of Crete bring to life all the myths and traditions of the Cretan glendi before our eyes.
The Gastronomy of the Glendi
The gamopilafo (wedding rice dish) overflows from the plates, dakos (rusk and tomato salad), kalitsounia (crispy pies), and ofto (pit-roasted meat) fill the tables, accompanied by strong tsikoudia (pomace brandy) and robust red wine. Sharing, invitations to dance, impromptu mantinades couplets, and rizitika songs elevates the festive atmosphere to unprecedented heights.
In this enchanting experience, ‘I’ quickly turns into ‘we’, and individual groups merge into one large, welcoming company. It is a magical world generously bestowed upon visitors, a world to which you always wish to return to savour true hospitality.
The Soul of Tradition
Behind the city's stately façade, we discover an authentic Cretan soul resonating with the kondylies melodies of the lyra (three-stringed bowed instrument) and comes alive in the dance moves of a fast pentozali dance. Renowned musicians and skilled dancers, Rethymniots transform every occasion into a celebration, and an authentic Cretan glendi, a feast, begins. Lyra and lagouto (a lute-type instrument) players, most self-taught yet remarkably skilled, set the tone, and passion is expressed through the intricate dance moves. These movements are intense and strong, and they follow steps that only Cretan boots can execute. This is where the black-shirted men of Crete bring to life all the myths and traditions of the Cretan glendi before our eyes.
The Gastronomy of the Glendi
The gamopilafo (wedding rice dish) overflows from the plates, dakos (rusk and tomato salad), kalitsounia (crispy pies), and ofto (pit-roasted meat) fill the tables, accompanied by strong tsikoudia (pomace brandy) and robust red wine. Sharing, invitations to dance, impromptu mantinades couplets, and rizitika songs elevates the festive atmosphere to unprecedented heights.
In this enchanting experience, ‘I’ quickly turns into ‘we’, and individual groups merge into one large, welcoming company. It is a magical world generously bestowed upon visitors, a world to which you always wish to return to savour true hospitality.
