We've already posted information about several of the big carnival events planned for the Canary Islands and the Balearics but Greece is another country that celebrates at this time of year.

The Greek period of Apokries is the three week period before the Ash Monday when the the 40-day long Lenten Fast begins. During this time carnival-style events with parties, fancy dress and street parades are held throughout the country. Crete is one island that embraces the festivities fully and the period leading up to Lent gives everyone a chance to let their hair down and feast on food and drink before the traditional period of fasting begins.

Crete is large enough to have many different carnival events in its various towns and villages, but as usual the capital Rethymnon saw the biggest events. The period is spilt into various weeks with the second week being known as Meat week, when the tradition is that on Tsiknopempti, the Thursday of meat week, everyone would grill and eat meat. Cheese week is the name given to the third week, when dairy products and eggs make up the traditional diet. During this week it was said that if women washed their hair it would turn white. Perhaps that is just an old wives tale though.

The largest carnival celebrations are reserved for the final Sunday of Apokries, called Tyrofagis, when Rethymnon hosted its big street parade, the spectacular burning of the King of Carnival on Rethymnon beach rounded off events.

The theme for this year's Rethymnon carnival was "The Earth". One traditional event that always brings the crowds out is the carnival Treasure Hunt which this year took place between Friday 29th and Sunday 31st of January.