The Municipality of Kissamos invites you to a three-day Chestnut Festival taking place in the picturesque villages of the Inachorio municipal unit on October 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2024. This annual festival is a vibrant celebration of the local chestnut harvest, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of the region. Enjoy a diverse program of events, including cooking demonstrations, documentary screenings, live music, traditional dances, and of course, plenty of delicious roasted chestnuts!

Festival Highlights

• Creative chestnut recipes: Learn new and exciting ways to use chestnuts in your cooking with a presentation by chef Ioanna Pantelaki, a member of the Hellenic Academy of Chefs.
• Documentary screening: “Let’s Go Foraging” explores the wild edible greens of Crete, presented by the Region of Crete and Chania Regional Unit.
• Musical performances: Enjoy an evening of folk music with Kyriakos Choreutakis and his band, and a journey through traditional melodies with the group “Nostalgia”.
• Grand Chestnut Festival Celebration: The main event in Elos Square features speeches, Cretan folk singing, a theatrical performance by local schoolchildren, and an all-day traditional feast with music and dancing.

Detailed Program

Throughout the festival, an open-air market will offer traditional products and roasted chestnuts.

Organized by: Municipality of Kissamos, in collaboration with the Communities of Elos and Vlatos, the Cultural Associations of Elos-Limni-Louchi “The Renaissance” and Vlatos “New Horizons”, and the Development Company “Ennia Choria A.E.”.

The Chestnuts of Chania and the Importance of the Festival

The mountainous regions of Chania are known for producing high-quality chestnuts, particularly the “Cretan Maroni” variety, prized for its sweet flavor and easy peeling. However, chestnut producers face challenges, including chestnut blight and unpredictable yields due to factors like weather and tree health. The Chestnut Festival in Inachorio plays a crucial role in supporting these producers by promoting their products and celebrating the cultural heritage associated with chestnut cultivation. Events like these help to raise awareness about the challenges faced by rural communities and encourage the preservation of traditional agricultural practices in Crete. By attending the festival, you contribute to the economic vitality of the region and help ensure the future of this valuable local product.