Newsflash from Sunday, 22 February 2026:
Rethymno “On Fire”: Thousands Flood the Streets for a Spectacular Carnival Night Parade
The night sky over Rethymno was set ablaze this weekend as the city’s legendary **Night Parade** took center stage, proving once again why it is one of Greece’s most vibrant and dynamic Carnival celebrations. Thousands of participants and visitors transformed the city center into an explosive festival of light, music, and non-stop energy.
If you weren’t there to witness the magic, here is a look at the highlights of a night that Rethymno won’t soon forget.
An Endless Party in the Heart of Crete
The atmosphere in Rethymno was electric, with “no room to swing a cat” as the streets reached full capacity. The Night Parade, a beloved staple of the Rethymno Carnival, saw a massive influx of locals and tourists from across Crete and beyond.
Participants donned impressive costumes, ranging from the whimsical to the satirical, while illuminated floats led the way through the winding streets. The city felt less like a quiet coastal town and more like a massive European festival, with a “colorful river of people” moving to the rhythmic beats of Carnival music.
Creativity and Satire on Display
What sets the Rethymno Carnival apart is the sheer creativity of its teams. This year’s floats were a masterclass in imagination, featuring:
* Thematic Lighting: Floats were specifically designed to glow in the dark, creating a surreal visual experience.
* Satirical Commentary: Keeping with tradition, many groups used their costumes and floats to poke fun at current events with humor and wit.
* Infectious Energy: From young children to the young at heart, the spirit of “Kefi” (joy) was palpable, with dancing that lasted well into the early morning hours.
The Celebration Continues: The Grand Parade
While the Night Parade was a spectacular peak, the festivities are far from over. The city is currently bracing for the Grand Carnival Parade, which takes place on Sunday afternoon.
This final event is expected to draw even larger crowds as the thematic groups and their elaborate floats make their final, triumphant march through the city. From early morning, the alleys and cafes of Rethymno have been buzzing with anticipation, as the city cements its reputation as the “Carnival Capital” of Crete.
Planning Your Visit?
If you are in Crete, Rethymno is the place to be. The organizers encourage everyone to join the celebration with high spirits and care. Whether you are there for the satirical floats, the historic setting, or the legendary Cretan hospitality, the Rethymno Carnival is an experience that stays with you forever.
The Grand Rethymno Carnival Parade 2026: 32 Groups, 10,000 Revelers, and Pure Cretan Magic
The moment has finally arrived! Today, Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, marks the pinnacle of the Rethymno Carnival—one of Greece’s most spectacular and deeply rooted cultural celebrations. As the afternoon sun graces the charming streets of this historic Cretan city, over 10,000 carnival enthusiasts and 32 themed groups are preparing to take to the main avenues in what promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of color, creativity, and unbridled joy.
Everything is Ready: A City Transformed
The city of Rethymno is buzzing with anticipation. From early morning, the streets have been cordoned off, speakers have been tested, and volunteers have been stationed throughout the city center. The message is clear: Rethymno is ready to party.
With 32 groups, 27 elaborate floats, and the combined creative efforts of thousands of participants, today’s Grand Parade will be nothing short of legendary. Each group has meticulously prepared their themes, costumes, and performances, all designed to deliver maximum entertainment and satire to the assembled crowds.
The Parade Details You Need to Know
Start Time: 1:00 PM sharp
Location: The parade kicks off from the Theotokopoulos Junction and winds its way through the city’s main thoroughfares:
– Emmanuel Portalios Street
– Kountouriotis Avenue
– Agios Gabriil Street (ending at Kriaris Street)
Musical Maestros: Fan favorites Iro Frygianaki and Petros Klapsinos will provide the soundtrack for the day, bringing each group’s performance to life with energy and flair. These beloved carnival personalities will keep the crowd engaged and encourage everyone to let loose and embrace the spirit of Carnival.
A Sneak Peek at Today’s Themes
The groups participating this year have chosen themes that range from hilarious and quirky to pop culture-inspired. Here’s a taste of what to expect:
– Royal Carnival: “Peter Pan in the Land of Never Never”
– Los Muertos Squad: “We brought out the skeletons again this year”
– Flamingo Brigade: Dancing birds in full costume
– Space Jam Crew: An intergalactic adventure through the streets
– Candy Crush Gang: Sweet and colorful chaos
– KPop Enthusiasts: Modern beats meet ancient streets
– Rethymno Airlines: “Fly with us to carnival paradise”
– The Incredibles: An Avengers-themed take on the Carnival spirit
– Cookie Monster Club: Pure sugar-coated fun
– And 23 more groups with equally creative and entertaining concepts!
A City Built on Safety and Community Care
What makes the Rethymno Carnival special is not just the spectacle—it’s the community spirit that surrounds it. The Municipality of Rethymno has coordinated with every relevant authority to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants and visitors.
Safety Measures in Place:
– 120 Red Cross volunteers stationed throughout the city center
– First Aid Station: Located in the courtyard of the 3rd High School at Tessaron Martyron Square
– Hospital Support: Staff from the General Hospital of Rethymno standing by
– Security Personnel: Including carnival volunteers who help manage crowd flow and enforce safety protocols
The organizers have made it clear: this will be a safe, family-friendly celebration where everyone can enjoy the magic without worry.
Parking and Logistics
For visitors traveling by car, several parking areas have been organized:
– 1st High School courtyard (access via Kondylaki Street)
– 2nd High School courtyard (eastern access via Georgios Skoula Street)
– Tessaron Martyron Square parking
– Commercial Port and Marina parking areas
– New parking facility (various locations throughout the city)
Pro Tip: Arrive early, park smart, and plan to stay for the entire celebration!
What Happens After the Parade?
The festivities don’t end when the parade concludes. Here’s the evening schedule:
6:00 PM – DJ music event at Agnostou Stratiotou Square
7:00 PM – Official closing ceremony
9:00 PM – Spectacular fireworks display along the waterfront with top DJs spinning throughout the night!
Why Rethymno Carnival Matters
For centuries, the Rethymno Carnival has been more than just a party—it’s a living tradition that connects Cretans to their heritage, allows them to express themselves freely, and brings communities together. The satirical floats often comment on current events with wit and humor, the costumes reflect months of creative work, and the energy is absolutely contagious.
Whether you’re a Cretan returning to your roots, a visitor discovering Crete for the first time, or someone who simply loves a good celebration, today’s parade is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Join the Celebration!
The streets of Rethymno are calling. Put on your carnival spirit, grab your friends and family, and head to the main avenues this afternoon. The parade begins at 1:00 PM, and trust us—you’ll want to secure a good spot early.
What are you most excited about? Drop a comment below and let us know which group’s theme has captured your imagination!
Plan Your Visit:
– 🎭 Main Parade: Sunday, February 22, 1:00 PM
– 🎪 Route: Emmanuel Portalios – Kountouriotis Ave – Agios Gabriil St
– 🎉 Evening Events: 6:00 PM onwards
– 🎆 Fireworks: 9:00 PM at the waterfront
