Chania: A Magical Opening Night for the 4th “Strata” (video)
Set against the iconic Old Venetian Port of Chania backdrop, the 4th Traditional Strata officially opened on Tuesday evening with a celebration full of Cretan culture, music, and emotion.
The Municipality of Chania organises the event. Locals and visitors gathered in the Old Harbour to experience a unique music and dance performance, marking the return of this beloved cultural tradition for a fourth consecutive year. The event promises to fill Chania’s summer nights with authentic Cretan heritage.
The evening began with dancers dressed in traditional costumes carrying the flags of local cultural associations. They started from the Maritime Museum and paraded toward the Yali Tzamisi.
Meanwhile, other dancers boarded small boats, crossed the harbour, and reached the Lighthouse, where they performed a Pentezali, impressing the crowd with their energy and pride. At the same time, a group of “rizites” (traditional singers) began their route from Chalidon Street. It arrived at the Yali Tzamisi, where they sang two Rizitika songs.
Female dancers accompanied them with a slow Pentezali, creating a profoundly emotional moment of living tradition. All the dance groups gathered before the Yali Tzamisi and performed four traditional Cretan dances: Syrtos, Pentezali, Maleviziotis, and Sousta.
Throughout the event, Manolis Kontaros and his music group performed live, setting the rhythm for every part of the night. Their presence brought authenticity, passion, and energy, making them an integral part of the experience and enhancing the celebration from start to finish. It was an unforgettable night full of pride, culture, and tradition – a powerful start to the summer season in Chania.
📅 The Traditional Strata of Chania will continue to bring the spirit of Crete to life every Tuesday evening throughout the summer until the end of September, featuring different Cretan cultural associations each week.
