The Saint John Festival – Apopigadi, Sempronas

On June 23rd

The Saint John Festival at Apopigadi, Sempronas, is one of the most authentic and beloved traditional celebrations in Chania, combining religious devotion, folk tradition, natural beauty, and gastronomic delights.

📍 Location and History

Apopigadi is situated at an altitude of 1,050 meters in the Sempronas area, near the village of Sempronas in the Municipality of Platanias. The picturesque chapel of Saint John the Baptist stands here, dedicated to his Nativity, celebrated on June 23rd. The area impresses with dense forests, towering mountains, and traditional settlements, offering a unique experience of nature and culture.

⛪ Religious Ceremony

On the eve of the feast, a Grand Festive Vespers takes place, led by His Eminence Bishop Damaskinos of Kissamos and Selinos, with the participation of local clergy. The service is held in a peaceful chapel with a breathtaking view, providing spiritual solemnity and a sense of serenity.

🎉 Cultural Celebration and Gastronomy

After Vespers, the festival continues with traditional music, dancing, Cretan delicacies, and local drinks. The participation of locals and visitors creates a lively atmosphere of celebration and community.

🍽 Traditional Cretan Dishes

In Cretan festivals, food is the heart of the celebration, and Apopigadi is no exception:

1. Stews
   • Boubouristi or pork with greens: Classic dishes cooked in large pots for guests.
   • Bean soup and greens soup: Nutritious and traditional, made with local legumes and organic herbs from the region.
2. Cretan Cheeses and Appetisers
   • Xinomizithra and Anthotyros: Local cheeses served with a drizzle of olive oil and thyme honey.
   • Tomato fritters and herb fritters: Crispy on the outside, filled with fresh local greens.
3. Roasts
   • Lamb or goat on the spit: The classic festival delicacy, marinated with recipes passed down through generations.
   • Sausages and cured pork: Often accompanied by homemade wine or raki.

🍞 Bread and Pastries

Traditional village bread is always present, along with various baked goods, such as pies filled with greens, cheese, or onion, baked in a wood-fired oven. The aroma fills the square, inviting everyone to taste them.

🍯 Sweets and Traditional Treats

• Melomakarona or baklava with honey and walnuts: Prepared by local women especially for the occasion.
• Carob pies and revani: Sweets crafted with local ingredients that capture the essence of Crete.

🍷 Local Drinks

• Raki (tsikoudia): The traditional Cretan distilled spirit, offered after the meal as a gesture of welcome and socialising.
• Local wine: Often served with roasted meats and stews, complementing the entire experience of Cretan gastronomy.

🌿 Local Authenticity

The charm of the Apopigadi festival lies in the fact that all dishes are local, fresh, and handmade. This is not mass production—it is a gastronomic experience reflecting Cretan tradition, community, and hospitality.

🌿 Location and Access

The area is accessible via a dirt road from the village of Sempronas, offering unique views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is ideal for hiking and exploring the Cretan nature. A notable site is the “Enchanted Spring”, considered a sacred healing spring and an important place of worship for locals.

📅 Date and Time

The festival takes place every year on the Sunday evening before the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, i.e., June 23rd, starting around 9:00 PM immediately after Vespers.