Colors of Agios Nikolaos - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The local people are distinguished by hot-tempered and rather sentimental character that unusually contrasts with tolerance and humility. Punctuality has never been a strong point of the indigenous people. They can be late even for an important business meeting. While communicating with the locals, tourists often incorrectly interpret the meaning of some words. Thus, the word "avrio" can be translated as "tomorrow", but in reality it means a refusal. The time from 14 to 18 is considered a leisure time for the locals. Making phone calls at this time is not desirable, and many shops and institutions may be closed for a break.

Life in the city is measured and unhurried. It seems that nothing can force the Greeks to hurry up and devote all their energy to work and solving problems. In local cafes and restaurants visitors quite often need to wait for a long time to get their order. At a glance this might look like a sign of disrespect. However, in reality such situation is considered normal - local people are accustomed to calm and measured live. Nevertheless, the natives are very obliging and industrious. Even if you need to wait a bit more than expected to get your request done, it will be done the best way possible.

Locals have quite many interesting customs. Some national holidays are celebrated not the way they are celebrated in other parts of the country. Thus, the traditional food for Easter is roast lamb. The beginning of the celebration in the city is marked by the gun firing. When the local people get acquainted with a foreigner, they often ask the person’s country of origin. You can hear such question even from taxi drivers and shop assistants. This is not the usual curiosity. During its long history Agios Nikolaos has experienced many military invasions, so some fear and anxiety are exactly what the local residents feel when they see a foreigner. However, this does not prevent the locals from being friendly and responsive. They are quickly imbued with trust to a foreigner if they feel his/her positive attitude. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you are planning to visit sunny Agios-Nikolaos in April, be sure to celebrate with local the most religious and anticipated event - Orthodox Easter in Greece. During the Holy Week, you will enjoy various entertainments, magnificent religious rituals, and processions every day. On Good Friday, the streets of Agios-Nikolaos are decorated with flowers for the Epitaph procession. And Saturday is dedicated to the reconstruction of biblical scenes. On the night of Bright Sunday, the local people of Agios Nikolaos gather near the river, where you can enjoy very unusual ritual - burning a Juda's effigy to the volleys of fireworks.

Agios-Nikolaos is a magnificent resort where all your family will find a diverse and unforgettable vacation. During summer holidays, the most anticipated among locals Lato festival takes place. Throughout the tourist season a huge number of Greek and European entertainers, as well as theater celebrities, come to this amazing city to perform for you. Lato is a cultural festival, held annually, which allows its guests getting acquainted with the Cretan folk art. Within the framework of this bright event, every visitor will have a chance to participate in numerous art exhibitions, master classes of local dances, screenings of movies, as well as in competitions of artistic swimming. Sounds very interesting, right?

If you find yourself in Crete at the beginning of July, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the unique spectacle - the international cliff diving competition under the name Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving. The programme of competition includes jumping from a 16-meter height from a cliff located on the north side of the picturesque Voulismeni Lake. This is the perfect event for those who are in love with extreme sports and fascinating performances. Divers, both professionals, and amateurs, as well as the members of the World Dive Federation, take part in the competitions. Along with the sports part, there will be parallel of interesting cultural events.