Running July 6th and 7th, the 2019 Caprico Feast (Γιορτή Καπρικου) is an unforgettable traditional event held each year in Galatas in Heraklion Prefecture. We had the distinct pleasure of attending the Friday night festivities with amazing performers, sponsors, and a huge crowd of Cretan festival goers.
Organized by the Cultural Association of Galatas, the two-day traditional festival features live music and other entertainment, and the culinary tradition of wood oven cooked Καπρικο (big boar) pork. Friday’s feast night featured the music of the amazing lira artist and vocalist George Glykokokalos. Accompanying George were lutists Lefteris Dagkonakis and Michalis Raptakis, Giannis Kozirakis on bass, and percussionist Vaggelis Meladakis.
The festival takes place in a beautiful schoolyard at the center of the traditional village roughly 10 days before the famous Agia Marina festival held each year at the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, a few kilometers from Galatas.
Many sponsors from Archalohori village, Galatas’ Το μουρέλο του Λαδωμένου taverna, the amazing Minos Potters Cooperative of Thrapsalano, Creta Sun, and Galatas residents and shop owners, donated items for giveaways and other support for the festival.
Saturday’s festivities mirror those of Friday night with traditional Cretan music provided by George Giakoumaki and his band, with dancing and a lot more festive attractions. Of course, the star of the festival, the local oven cooked boar, will highlight another day of incredible dancing and fellowship at one of Crete’s most special celebrations.
My special thanks go out to our friends and host Markos Ladomenos and his wife Panagiota Mylonas, who is the president of the cultural association. I’d also like to thank the beautiful hostess who selected my winning lottery ticket for an amazing Minoan ceramic pot.