Chania Carnival
February/March
Masquers, parades and parties take over the city during carnival season, with some top events also taking place in outlying villages on the nearby Akrotíri peninsula.
Blessing of Sheep
April
Taking place on 23 April, or the Monday after Easter if that’s later, the Blessing of Sheep is the big event in Asigoniá, a pastoral village in the hills above Chania. All the flocks are milked (the result offered to spectators), blessed by the priest and re-belled as necessary.
Sampajana Jazz Festival
June
For four days in June, the Sampajana Jazz Festival plays host to not just jazz, but funk and ‘ethnic’ gigs too, in the Firka Bastion of the outer Venetian harbour. Past Greek stars have included Psarandonis and Haig Yazdjian.
Sardine Festival
September
Free grilled sardines at Neahóra Beach mark the end of the sardine season, with musical accompaniment.
Cultural Summer
July-September
The annual Cultural Summer sees municipally organised performances in a host of venues scattered across the Old and New Town; given the economic crisis, expect the programme to be sparser in future.