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Elsewhere on the Web August Festivals on Crete

It's hot. It's crowded. But it's still Greece!

Delicate travelers may well prefer to choose another month to explore, but if high energy delights you, the party scene is at its peak in August with September's return to school and work looming only weeks away.

The mornings will be your best bet for sightseeing, as the heat grows strongest about 1pm, making the Greek habit of taking an afternoon nap or relaxation period very attractive.

Many Greeks travel home for the Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated throughout Greece. Because of the increased domestic travel, transportation is jammed. (Travelers with Greek surnames reportedly seem to fare better on getting that last seat during the first two weeks of the month.) Many Greeks will also be observing a Lenten-like fast for the period between August 1st and the 15th, when the fast gives way to feasting. This generally does not affect what is available for tourists to eat, though some additional fast-friendly specialty dishes may be worth a try.

Travel on the 15th itself will be limited. It is a national holiday, and many sites will be closed for the day.

The cultural festivals of Greece are in full swing as the Athens Festival continues, the Patras Festival begins, and dozens of other major and minor festivals take advantage of the crowds to present the best of Greek culture to as many minds and souls as possible.

Grape harvest festivals are underway in several places. The Dodecanese islands of Samos and Rhodes both host major festivals. The Dafni (Daphni) wine festival continues just outside of Athens.

The independent Republic of Cyprus also offers many events in August; here are a few of them.

Pampafia at Pafos
Folklore-rich event with handicrafts, food specialties, and more. Held in the public gardens on Messogis Avenue. Info from the Pafos Folkloric Association, tel: (06) 232867

Ancient Greek Drama Festival -
Revival of ancient Greek theater, held in the theatres of Kourion and Pafos.

Summer Nights at Polis, Pafos District
Open-air traditional dances, songs, and music. Free.

Deryneia Cultural Festival
Ammochostos District
Information: (03) 821452.

Panagia Village Festival
Pafos District
Music and dance, along with delicious food at reasonable prices.

Quick Look at August:

Mainland Weather: Hot.
Island/Coastal Weather: Hot, though can be tempered with breezes; however, sometimes those breezes are the warm meltemis.
Prices: Highest of the year.
Events: Assumption of the Virgin Mary, August 15th. Celebrated everywhere; particularly renowned on Tinos at the church of Panagia Evagelistria.
Facilities: It's jammed in the islands, especially Aug 1st- Aug 17th. Mainland transit can also be busy as some Greeks travel home for the holiday. Expect lines, waits, crowding. But Athens itself may be a little quieter than in late July. Some extra ferries may be added to handle the crowds...unfortunately, this can sometimes tweak the regular schedules.
Budget/Independent travelers: If you can, skip July and August. If you can't, enjoy Northern Greece and choose the less popular islands. Take a peek at the Milos photos linked above to show how crowded that island gets.

Photo by deTraci Regula. Text Copyright 2001 by deTraci Regula and About.com. All rights reserved.