Traditional Cretan Weddings

When it comes to weddings, the Cretans follow certain customs and traditions that have remained unchanged throughout the years. Although the younger generations tend to organize more modern weddings, some important traditions remain the same.

Below you will find some elements of a traditional wedding in Crete, and if you happen to attend one during your visit in Crete, you will know what to expect.

1. Almond Dragees (Koufeta)

After the end of the wedding ceremony, the happy couple and its parents stand just outside the chapel, and all the guests proceed in order to congratulate them and give them their wedding wishes. During that part of the wedding, there is a lady standing after the couple that holds a bowl with almond dragees. According to the tradition, all guests need to take 2 dragees in order to express their wish for the couple to stay together.

2. Xerotigana

Xerotigana, as shown in the picture, are traditional sweets. They are fried dough strips with honey and nuts. They are the most commonly found sweet in a Cretan wedding. They are really delicious and they only contain pure ingredients.

3. Wedding Crowns

For the Greeks and especially for the Cretans, the crowning is the highlight of the Greek Orthodox Marriage Service.

The wedding crowns symbolize that the Bride and the Groom are regarded as part of the “royal family” of God and are crowned king and queen of their own dominion, their new fellowship, and family.

It is a very important part of the wedding, and that is why the bride and the groom pay special attention to the quality and decoration of the wedding crowns. In the old times, after the wedding, the bride and the groom used to hang their wedding crowns above their bed.

4. Traditional Music

Music has always played an important role in the daily life of the Cretans. It is without a doubt that music would play an important role in special occasions like a wedding.

The traditional musical instruments include the world’s renowned lyra, violin, laouto, and in some regions of Crete the askomandoura, mandolin, and guitars. There are traditional Cretan songs written especially for this special day, and people use to dance in a circle.

5. Honey with Walnuts

Honey is sweet, and that is why it is used to symbolize that the future life of the bride and the groom will be sweet and merit. On the other hand, walnuts are a symbol of fertility. They are used during the orthodox wedding ceremony as a wish to God to give fertility to the new couple.

These are only a few elements of a traditional wedding in Crete. The locals pay a lot of attention to the feast that follows the wedding, where the Cretan music and the local wine are abundant for all guests.

Apart from all these, Crete and especially Georgioupolis is an ideal destination for those who wish to organize their wedding in a romantic setting. One of our hotels, Anemos Luxury Grand Resort, has a small chapel where guests can organize their dream event. Do not hesitate to contact Anemos Luxury Grand Resort for more information and details.