Back to newsIn the village of Petres, near Rethymno, locals recently gathered for the traditional annual sheep shearing, a long-standing pastoral custom that brings rural communities together each spring. Known locally as "koura," the shearing season marks an important moment in Cretan agricultural life, combining practical livestock management with communal celebration, shared meals, and folk music.
Petres is a small inland village in the Rethymno regional unit, roughly 15 kilometers southeast of Rethymno town. Visitors interested in authentic Cretan rural culture can explore the area by car along well-maintained roads. Similar shearing gatherings take place across the Cretan highlands during April and May. If you encounter one, locals are generally welcoming to respectful observers. This is a good opportunity to experience everyday Cretan traditions outside the usual tourist circuit.
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Petres Spring Ritual: Ancient Cretan Sheep Shearing Brings Community Together
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