On Sunday, December 21, Heraklion opens its arms—and its leashes—to the Christmas Pet Festival, a warm, pet-friendly celebration designed for children, families, and anyone who believes that compassion should extend to every living creature.
Organised by the Sirius Animal Welfare Group of Heraklion, the event blends Christmas cheer with education, creativity, and meaningful action, all in support of the city’s stray animals. It is the second Christmas Pet Festival hosted by Sirius volunteers, and it has a clear purpose: raising awareness, providing care, and offering practical support for animals in need.
The festival will take place at two neighbouring, welcoming spots:
- the refreshment area at OASIS, and
- the pet-friendly Rindo Café, next to the Fire Service
Together, they will host a compact but thoughtfully curated programme focused on learning, empathy, and community.
Learn, play, and care—together
Throughout the day, visitors can participate in activities designed for children, parents, and guardians, with a strong emphasis on understanding animals and building responsible relationships with them.
Creative activities and awareness workshops for children will be led by educator Kallia Karli, allowing young visitors to learn through play and conversation.
Sessions:
- 10:30–11:00
- 11:30–12:00
Later, veterinarian Andreas Bantouvas will host a first-aid seminar for animals, sharing practical advice on everyday care and emergency response for pets.
Time:
- 12:30–13:00
A special discussion titled “Talking About Animals: With and For Children” brings academic insight into the festival space. Professors from the Department of Preschool Education at the University of Crete—
- Maria Markodimitraki, Professor of Developmental Psychology, and
- Maria Kypriotaki, Associate Professor of Special Psycho-Pedagogy in Early Childhood
—will speak with parents and guardians about the emotional and developmental benefits children gain through contact with animals.
Christmas spirit with purpose
No holiday gathering would be complete without a bit of sweetness. The festival’s Christmas Bazaar features handmade creations and festive treats, with all proceeds supporting the care of stray animals.
Expect:
- scented candles that smell like… melomakarono
- handmade lucky charms
- delightful holiday sweets by Alice_Sugarland
Small gifts, chosen with care, carry a much larger meaning.
A shared message for the season
The Sirius Animal Welfare Group invites the city of Heraklion to send a collective Christmas message—one of love, respect, and protection for all animals.
Come to talk.
Come to learn.
Come to work together.
And above all, come to turn affection into action—for every animal that depends on us.
