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Writer's pictureGeorge Tatakis

Meeting the People Behind Crete's Rich Cultural Heritage


Discovering the rich cultural heritage of Crete was an unforgettable experience for me. From the hospitable people to the beautiful landscapes and ancient traditions, this Greek island has so much to offer. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet and photograph some of the locals, capturing their stories and traditions through my lens. In this blog post, I will take you on a journey through the beautiful villages and towns of Crete, introducing you to some of the wonderful people I met along the way.

Meeting the People Behind Crete's Rich Cultural Heritage, by George Tatakis
Meeting the People Behind Crete's Rich Cultural Heritage

Island of Crete: 40 Days based in Anogia.

I have spent 40 days in the highest village of Crete, Anogia photographing the tradition of the island. From the traditional costume of Sfakia to the handmade items sold by local shop owners, the culture and hospitality of Crete will leave you in awe. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through the heart of this beautiful island.

Echoes of the Past: The Lyre Maker's Legacy in Rethymnon

As I walked down the narrow streets of Rethymnon, the sound of the lyre filled the air. I followed the sound, led by my curiosity until I found myself standing outside a small workshop, adorned with various musical instruments and tools hanging from the walls. I immediately knew I had to go inside and meet the lyre-maker behind the music.

The workshop belonged to Nikos Papalexakis, a traditional lyre maker who has been crafting these beautiful instruments for decades. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the warm smile of Nikos, who was sitting alongside his workbench, playing his lyre.

As I looked around the workshop, I was amazed at the number of lyres scattered throughout the space. Some were finished and ready to be played, while others were only half-finished, waiting to be completed. The workshop was a haven for those who appreciated the beauty of traditional Cretan music.

I explained to Nikos that I was a photographer and that I would love to take his portrait while he was playing the lyre. He was happy to oblige, and I set to work, drawing the curtains to create the perfect lighting for the shot. As Nikos posed for me, the lyre's haunting melody filled the room, creating an intimate and special atmosphere.

The lyre was not just a musical instrument to Nikos; it was a symbol of Cretan culture and tradition. He explained to me how the lyre had been a part of Cretan music for centuries and how it had evolved. I could see the passion in his eyes as he spoke, and it was clear that he was truly dedicated to his craft.

As I left Nikos' workshop, I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness his talent and dedication to preserving Cretan culture. My black and white portrait of him, surrounded by his lyres, was a testament to the beauty of traditional music and the craftsmen who bring it to life.

 

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Discovering the Cantades of Spili village

In the heart of Spilli village, something truly special takes place every August 7th. It's the day of the Cantades, a tradition that's been celebrated for centuries. The streets of the village are filled with music and singing as the locals come together to honour their cultural heritage.

The Cantades of Spilli village, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
The Cantades of Spilli village

As a photographer, I had the privilege of documenting this event as part of my 'Ethos' project. The day was filled with incredible moments, but one of the most poignant was when the musicians made their way to the cemetery.

As we followed along with the procession, we passed through the village and made our way to the gravesite of a beloved local musician who had recently passed away. There, the musicians gathered around his grave and began to sing mantinades, a traditional form of Cretan poetry, in his memory.

The Cantades of Spilli village, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Singing mantinades around a grave in the local cemetery

It was a powerful moment, filled with emotion and reverence. As the musicians sang, the rest of us stood in respectful silence, honouring the memory of the man who had brought so much joy to the community through his music.

After a few more songs, the procession continued through the village, bringing music and celebration to every corner of Spilli. It was a day I will never forget, and I feel grateful to have been able to capture it through my camera lens.

The Cantades of Spilli village, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
A local waving at me

Zafirenia's Lantern: A Tale of Nikos Kazantzakis and Hollywood in Crete

It was a typical day in Anogia when I stumbled upon a beautiful garden that caught my eye. I couldn't resist taking a closer look, and as I was admiring the colourful flowers and fragrant herbs, an old woman dressed in black approached me. Her name was Zafirenia, and she welcomed me into her stunning home.

Zafirenia was a master of Cretan hospitality, and in no time, she had offered me Raki, a traditional Cretan drink, and a table full of delicious cheese, bread, fruits and more. I was humbled by her kindness, but she reassured me that this was simply the way things were done in Anogia.

As we chatted, I mentioned a passage from Nikos Kazantzakis' book 'Report to Greco,' which described how his grandfather would go out every night to find foreigners and bring them home for a warm meal and a bed. To my surprise, Zafirenia revealed that she actually had a similar lantern that Kazantzakis described in the book hanging above her fireplace, and she proudly showed it to me.

I couldn't resist taking photos of Zafirenia and her home. I captured her in her kitchen, living room, and pantry, surrounded by the rich culture of Anogia.

But Zafirenia had more stories to tell, and she regaled me with a tale of the time when actor Robert Powell, who played Jesus in the famous 1977 TV series 'Jesus of Nazareth,' visited Anogia. The locals had told Powell about Zafirenia's admiration for him, and he had asked to meet her. Zafirenia didn't want to venture into the local café, a traditional gathering spot for men, so Powell had to walk to her house instead. When Zafirenia saw him, she immediately fell to her knees, praising him as if he were Jesus. Despite his protestations, Zafirenia told him that it was he who she's known as Jesus, even though she knew he wasn't in reality. Thus, she felt her actions to be appropriate.

At Zafirenia's house in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Zafirenia in her pantry

The next day, I met a young woman named Zacharenia, and we decided to take some photos of her wearing the traditional Anogian costume, the Sartza. I asked if we could use Zafirenia's home as a backdrop, and Zacharenia wondered if it was okay with her. So, I went to Zafirenia's house to ask her permission.

But, in my haste, I accidentally entered the wrong house and found myself amid a family having breakfast. Instead of being upset, the father immediately stood up, warmly insisting to sit down and enjoy a meal with them. It was yet another example of the remarkable hospitality that permeates Anogia. Of course, I explained what had happened, and left, feeling embarrassed.

Finally, I found Zafirenia's house and asked if we could use it for Zacharenia's portraits. She was thrilled to help and offered us her beautiful home as a backdrop. I captured some stunning photos, which I included in my 'Caryatis' project.

At Zafirenia's house in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Zacharenia in the traditional costume of Anogia

Crafting Traditions: Meeting Artisans in Anogia

As I walked through the charming village, I stumbled upon a quaint little shop, adorned with beautiful woven pieces of fabric. It was owned by a local lady named Hermione, who was sitting outside on a wooden bench, enjoying the warm summer breeze. As I walked past her, I couldn't resist the urge to greet her, and she smiled warmly and invited me inside.

Once inside, Hermione poured me a shot of Raki and offered me some fresh cheese. As I sipped my drink, she began to explain the intricate process of weaving, which was her passion and livelihood. Her aged fingers moved expertly across the loom, as she deftly created a beautiful piece of fabric. I was fascinated by her skill and the amount of patience required for such a task.

Hermione at her shop in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Hermione at her shop

Hermione then took me further inside her shop, showing me her loom and the many beautiful woven pieces she had created over the years. I couldn't resist the urge to capture her in action, and she kindly agreed to let me take some portraits of her.

Hermione at her shop in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Hermione at her shop in Anogia

Later that same day, I heard about a local man named Stefanos Ploussis, who was known for making and mending traditional instruments. He was also known for his intricate and surreal wooden sculptures. I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet him and see his work for myself.

As I entered Stefanos' workshop, I was surrounded by the sweet scent of wood shavings and the sound of Cretan music playing softly in the background. Stefanos greeted me warmly and showed me around his shop, where he displayed a variety of traditional instruments and his surreal wooden sculptures. I was amazed by his creations, which were unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Stefanos in his workshop in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Stefanos in his workshop

Stefanos kindly agreed to let me take some portraits of him next to his stunning sculptures, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to meet such a talented artist. It was clear that his passion for woodworking was a labour of love, and his intricate sculptures were a testament to his skill and creativity.

Portraits of Anogia: Meeting the Friendly Faces of Crete

As I continued my journey through Anogia, I met more fascinating people I just had to photograph. One of them was Mrs Gianna, a shop owner who was selling similar items as Hermione's shop. Although I wasn't sure if she made the items herself, I was still struck by her friendly demeanour and willingness to let me take a few portraits of her. She was probably in her early 80s, and her warm smile was a reminder of the genuine hospitality of the Cretan people.

Later on, I found myself in the square opposite Xilouris' house, where I met two friends who were sitting and chatting on a bench. One of them was the owner of the tourist shop in that spot, a woman who sewed and made most of the items she sold. The other woman, her friend, was probably in her early 90s. I was immediately drawn to their lively conversation and asked if I could take some portraits of them.

A local shop owner in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
A local shop owner in Anogia

As I was taking their photos, the elder woman turned to me and said, in Greek, "Why are you taking our photos? Maybe we can put them on my grave when I die" Her friend laughed at the comment, and I realized that it was a quite natural remark, since Cretan people, similar to many other communities in Greece, traditionally give great importance to death and funerals. I reassured her that I just wanted to capture their beauty and personality in my photos and that I hoped to share their stories with others.

The friend then added, "When you come back to Anogia after I'm gone, make sure to pass by my house and say 'May God forgive her.'" I smiled and nodded, promising that I would certainly do.

Two friends at a local shop in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Two friends at a local shop in Anogia

Nestled in the heart of Anogia lies a legendary café where Antonis Xylouris, a renowned singer and Lyra player, can often be found. Known to the world as Psarantonis, his musical prowess has earned him a place in the hearts of many. During my travels, I had the honour of meeting him on several occasions, and I even had the opportunity to capture his essence in several portraits. One particular moment that stands out was when I visited him at his late brother's home, Nikos Xylouris, also known as Psaronikos, the most celebrated singer in their family. Despite Nikos' passing in 1980, his house has been transformed into a museum, lovingly maintained by their sister. It's not uncommon to find Antonis frequenting the museum, and it was during one of these visits that I was able to immortalize him in a portrait.

Psarantonis inside his brother's house in Anogia, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Psarantonis inside his brother's house

Capturing the Human Experience at Knossos

The sun was beating down on the ancient ruins of Knossos as I arrived with my camera in hand, ready to capture the beauty of this historical site. Walking through the labyrinthine ruins, I couldn't help but feel in awe of the ancient civilization that once thrived in this very spot.

A tourist around Knossos ancient settlement, Heraklion, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
A tourist around Knossos ancient settlement

As I wandered through the site, I came across groups of tourists, all marvelling at the intricate architecture and the fascinating stories that the ruins held. With my camera at the ready, I captured candid shots of these curious visitors, all with their unique expressions of wonder and admiration.

Some stood in silence, gazing upon the ancient columns and frescoes, lost in thought and awe. Others chatted excitedly with their companions, pointing out the details that caught their eye. All were united in their appreciation for the incredible history that surrounded them.

I couldn't help but smile as I snapped away, knowing that I was capturing a moment in time, a snapshot of the human experience as it existed in this timeless place.

Tourists visiting Knossos' site, Heraklion, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Tourists visiting Knossos' site

The Pilgrims of Panagia Charakiani: A Captivating Cretan Tradition

In the heart of Rethymnon, on the stunning island of Crete, lies a church that holds a special icon of Mary. Every year on August 15th, during the celebration of Mary's Assumption, this sacred icon is moved to the church of Charakiani, located 38km away from the city. And with it comes an intriguing tradition that has been practised for centuries.

For many locals, this annual event is a time of great spiritual significance. They come from all over Crete to pay homage to the icon and participate in the celebrations. And while the focus is on the church and the icon, the surrounding area is alive with a different kind of energy.

The huts of Panagia Charakiani, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
The huts of Panagia Charakiani

At a nearby field, pilgrims make their temporary home in self-made huts constructed from straw, nylon sheets, old irons, and doors. They live in these huts for the first 15 days of August to keep company with the icon. It's a fascinating sight to behold, and one that I had to capture.

I arrived at the church on the 14th, having heard about the customs from locals in Anogia village. I was eager to witness this unique tradition for myself, and I was not disappointed. As I walked towards the field where the pilgrims were living, I saw a sea of huts, each one more creative than the last. There were huts made from palm fronds, old umbrellas, and even car parts.

Inside a hut, during the festival of Panagia Charakiani, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Inside a hut, during the festival of Panagia Charakiani

When I met the last remaining couple living in their hut, they welcomed me with Raki. The couple shared their personal stories and the history of the custom, and I was mesmerized.

The wife, a local, recalled that she first swam in the sea at this very spot. She came from a nearby mountain village where it was not typical for them to visit the sea, so all her childhood sea memories were from this place. Her husband, a Cretan Lyra player, unfortunately, did not have his instrument with him as most of the pilgrims had left. Nonetheless, they invited me inside their hut and gave me a glimpse of their simple life. The hut had everything they needed, a separate bedroom, a small kitchenette, and a table for dining. It was a perfect example of how simple things can be enough to live a fulfilling life, free from the needs that enslave us in our daily lives.

Inside one of the huts, during the celebration of Panagia Charakiani, Rethymnon, Crete, by photographer George Tatakis
Inside one of the huts, during the celebration