- Karavolas Raki Festival returns Sunday, October 5, from 16:00.
- Organized by Folklore Club “Lazaros & Manolis Xnaris” with the Region and Municipality of Heraklion.
- Dedicated to Iliaktida, helping children with cancer.
- Traditional rakokazano distillation on site.
- Food offerings: moustalevria, rakomelo, fritters with petimezi, and even sweet mantinades.
- Music from top Cretan artists: Antonis Kokkinos, Alexandros Papadakis, Giorgos Alexandronakis, Dimitris & Michalis Kounalis.
- Dance groups from the Folklore Club.
- Hosts: Evi Papadaki & Alexis Georgoulis.
- Primary sponsor: KTEC – Specialized Building Materials.
A Toast to Tradition — and to the Children of Iliaktida
In Heraklion, when the cauldron fires up and the first drops of raki fall, it is never just about the drink. This October 5 at Karavolas, the annual Raki Festival will pour much more than spirits: it will pour solidarity. The evening is dedicated to Iliaktida, the Pancretan Association supporting children with cancer, proving once again that Cretan tradition knows how to celebrate and how to care at the same time.
From the bubbling rakokazano to the last bite of moustalevria, the festival promises music, dance, and flavors seasoned with purpose. Because in Crete, even a glass of raki can carry a slight sweetness — and a lot of heart.
More Than a Festival
Visitors can watch tsikoudia being distilled the old-fashioned way, at the rakokazano glowing against the sea. Around it, associations from across Crete will serve up treats: moustalevria from the Keramoutsi group, rakomelo from the Livadiotes, fritters with petimezi from Kitharida, and even sugary mantinades courtesy of the Festival of Cretan Cuisine and Ta Melissakia.
On stage, beloved musicians Antonis Kokkinos, Alexandros Papadakis, Giorgos Alexandronakis, and brothers Dimitris and Michalis Kounalis will keep the music flowing late into the night. The Folklore Club’s own dance groups will bring the square to life, while presenters Evi Papadaki and Alexis Georgoulis tie the program together with flair.
Yes, it is about raki, music, and dancing by the sea — but this year it is also about giving. Proceeds from the festival will go to Iliaktida, a reminder that Cretan celebrations never separate joy from generosity.
So mark your calendar: Sunday, October 5, from 16:00 at Karavolas. Come thirsty, come hungry, come ready to dance — and leave knowing that every sip, every song, and every step helps keep a little more sunshine in a child’s life.