The Festivities return this year from July 30 to August 9, with a series of artistic and educational events in the villages of Rokka and Kera in the Municipality of Kissamos, Chania.
There are festivals that fill stadiums and front pages. And there are festivals that fill gorges with music, courtyards with theatre and villages with life. The Giortes Rokkas clearly belong to the second category: a deeply authentic cultural phenomenon that, since 2013, has been changing the map of the hinterland of Crete and the way visitors see it.
«First, Panagiotis Simandirakis dreamed of a concert at the archaeological site of Rokka, then the residents dreamed of villages filled with voices and footsteps, a little later some of us dreamed of original art in the hinterland and somehow, all together, we created a shared dream… to strengthen the event and the villages, to energize the local youth, to create lasting infrastructure, to engage with art and society», says Meti Panayiotopoulou, artistic director of Giortes Rokkas.
One village – one stage
A key feature of the festival is the pioneering action «Kera, One Stage», under the artistic direction of Meti Panayiotopoulou. As she recounts, «in 2018 Kera was transformed for the first time into a vast theatrical stage and theatre filled the courtyards, balconies and alleyways». The audience literally moves through the village, following short theatrical vignettes that spring from everyday places – an experiential, moving encounter, utterly connected to the place. Likewise, in the village of Rokka, the archaeological site with Trouli – the ancient acropolis – hosts the main music night of the festival, where the natural setting and the history of the area offer an atmosphere of almost sacred ritual.
Handcrafted art in the hinterland
Giortes Rokkas is handcrafted, built with care and soul by the residents of the two villages themselves – about 40 people in total. From setting up the stages and hosting the artists to opening their homes and taking part in workshops, the locals are not mere spectators – they are participants. This cooperative of dreams and action has led to remarkable moments. From Evanthia Reboutsika’s concert in 2022 to the collaboration with the Greek National Opera in 2024, the festival has reached peaks of cultural experience without ever losing its convivial, local character.
The natural landscape as canvas
It is rare to find festivals that respect so deeply the place that hosts them. In Rokka and in Kera, nature and art speak the same language. The archaeological site, the paths, the watermills, the wine presses and the stone houses are not just a backdrop – they become protagonists.
«The villages themselves are the stage-like landscapes of the activities. Each year they reveal their beauties to us», notes Panayiotopoulou. And indeed, as you walk through Kera or Rokka, you feel as if you are inside a cinematic experience, where every stone has a story and every courtyard a secret to tell.
We asked Ms Panayiotopoulou if there is a moment, performance or concert from previous years that has marked her: «The moment in 2017 when the villages filled with voices and footsteps at the first workshops for children. In 2018, on the night of the action «Kera, One Stage», when the village of Kera was transformed for the first time into a large stage and theatre filled the balconies, courtyards and alleyways of the village. In 2021 the publication of the first book with the original plays that were written for the action Kera, One Stage- Antonousa. In 2022 the main concert with Evanthia Reboutsika, who performed for the second time at the archaeological site of Rokka. The emotionally charged evening for all of us, the wonderful music and the scenographic environment created by the international visual artist Shizuka Hariu transported us to all the moments we have lived in the villages. In 2024 the first collaboration with the Greek National Opera for the classical music concert. All these moments and evenings strengthened us and shaped the identity of the event».
Culture with roots – and a future
The significance of the festival goes beyond art. Giortes Rokkas has served as a lever for the revival of the villages. From the redevelopment of the Rokka site in 2015 to the return of young people in summer, the Giortes gave a voice back to an inland area that is often considered «forgotten». It is no coincidence that the celebration itself is inspired by the history of the place: from the altar of the goddess Britomartis, protectress of the moon in ancient Rokka, to the emblematic statue of Antonousa Kastanaki in Kera, every landmark and every narrative gains new breath through artistic synthesis.
For Katerina Marangoudaki, a member of the Giortes Rokkas organizing team, everything starts from the place itself. From the land where they were born, grew up and continue to defend with love and care. «We love this place. And especially the festival site. On the night of the full moon it is magical – the whole area is lit by the light of the moon», she says with emotion.
The Giortes began simply. One concert in August, without great expectations. «We did not expect all that would happen. We were going a little blind», she admits. Until the proposal of Meti Panayiotopoulou, the artistic director, came to turn it into a proper festival. «We were not used to it. We only knew the celebratory concert. Suddenly 3-4 thousand people started coming. We were shocked». Particularly intense was the experience of the residents’ first contact with classical music. «We did not know it. In Crete we have a different musical tradition. It was difficult, but we loved it. It was something completely new for a mountain village outside Chania».
The contribution of the residents is not just significant – it is the root of the Giortes. «The Giortes Rokkas were clearly created by the residents. They were the inspiration for all this to begin», she points out. And how do they share the work? «There is no exact allocation. We try. Everyone does what they can. We are villagers – and that says it all. Like a family. As in families, each person offers from the heart to make something beautiful for the visitor».
Katerina does not forget to share a few little secrets of the area: «In Rokka there is a gorge of incredible beauty, not yet utilized because it is difficult to access – but it is worth a stroll. We also have excellent small businesses with olive oil and honey, here and in nearby Pervolakia, where you can see up close how they are produced and learn the whole process.»
And of course, for those who love the sea, there are options for every taste: «Falassarna is 25 minutes away, but closer still we have Drapania – a beautiful beach just 10 minutes from here. And if you get hungry, she adds, in Kosiana and in Koleni there are lovely tavernas, ideal before or after the Giortes».
*With this years theme «Metamorphoses of the Unseen», the Giortes return this year from 30 July to 9 August, with a series of artistic and educational activities in the settlements of Rokka and Kera of the Municipality of Kissamos Chania.
