Ómilos Vrakofóron Krítis Brings Their Cretan Christmas Carols and Dances to Athens, Highlighting its New Winter Tourism Offerings of Greece

Published on December 25, 2025

On Christmas Eve 2025, the “Ómilos Vrakofóron Krítis” (The Club of Vraka-Wearers of Crete) went on a visit to the Ministry of Tourism in Athens, spreading joy with traditional Christmas carols from Crete (kalanta), as well as dynamic Cretan folk dances. Not only was this a celebration of Cretan tradition, but it was also a demonstration of the rising popularity of winter tourism in Greece.

The event was a festive occasion with an added layer of cultural pride, as Greece’s Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, a proud Cretan herself, joined in performing the traditional Cretan dances with infectious enthusiasm. Sharing the moment on X, she posted a video of the joyful celebration, emphasizing the significance of Crete’s heritage and how it connects deeply with both Greek nationals and international visitors:

Ómilos Vrakofóron Krítis: Preserving Cretan Heritage and Winter Tourism Growth

Founded in 1973 in Rethymno, Ómilos Vrakofóron Krítis is one of Greece’s most prominent cultural associations, dedicated to preserving and promoting the island’s rich traditions. Known for its iconic vraka attire (baggy breeches), the group has played an instrumental role in keeping Cretan music, dance, song, and theater alive. Their performances extend not only across Greece but also internationally, showcasing Cretan culture to a global audience.

This festive visit to the Ministry of Tourism serves as a reminder of how Greece’s regional traditions contribute to the country’s appeal, especially during the winter season. As Greece experiences significant winter tourism growth, cultural events like this one illustrate the country’s ongoing efforts to attract visitors year-round, not just during the popular summer months.

Celebrating Winter Tourism: Greece’s Growing Appeal

This event highlights the growing importance of winter tourism in Greece, a country traditionally known for its summer tourism. As travelers seek to experience more authentic and culturally immersive experiences, Greece’s ability to showcase its regional traditions, especially during the colder months, plays a key role in the country’s expanding winter tourism market.

With destinations like Crete leading the way in blending winter culture with holiday festivities, Greece is becoming an increasingly attractive option for winter travelers. Events like the visit of Ómilos Vrakofóron Krítis to Athens not only promote Greek cultural heritage but also emphasize how Greece is becoming a top destination for winter tourists seeking a warm, welcoming atmosphere, festive celebrations, and a deeper connection to local traditions.

The Impact of Winter Tourism on Greece’s Economy

The rise in winter tourism is a crucial factor in Greece’s economic recovery and continued growth as a global tourism leader. With Greece increasingly becoming a year-round destination, winter tourism has a growing economic impact, especially in regions like Crete, where local economies can benefit from extended visitor seasons. The influx of international tourists during the winter months injects vital revenue into the hospitality and service industries, helping to sustain jobs and support sustainable development.

By promoting regional cultural tourism, Greece is successfully diversifying its tourism offerings. The country is now embracing winter as an integral part of its tourism strategy, ensuring that local communities across the nation benefit from tourism not just in the peak summer months, but throughout the entire year.

Government and Public-Private Partnerships Strengthen Greece’s Winter Tourism

The success of winter tourism in Greece can be attributed to the close cooperation between governmental bodies, tourism associations, and the private sector. By integrating cultural tourism into broader destination marketing strategies, Greece is ensuring that travelers see the country as a diverse destination with year-round appeal.

The strong support from organizations such as Embratur, local tourism associations, and the private tourism sector ensures that Greece is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of off-season travel, which is crucial for sustaining the nation’s tourism infrastructure and supporting long-term economic growth.

A Year-Round Destination for Tourists Seeking Culture and Tradition

The festive representation of the Christmas traditions of Crete within the Athens region symbolizes more than a cultural event since it demonstrates the increasing role that winter tourism in Greece is assuming within the country’s tourist sector. The relocation of the Ómilos Vrakofóron Krítis to Athens means that Greece remains a desirable destination throughout the year for tourists wanting to experience both the cultural and fun elements associated with the event.

However, with the increased winter tourism in Greece embracing winter tourism growth, it is apparent that regional traditions and culture in the country have become an important factor in luring tourists from across the globe. Greece is in a strong position to be at the forefront in regard to year-round tourism.