Crete Celebrates Saints Constantine and Helen with Festive Gatherings

Thursday, 21 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Today, May 21, is the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helen, one of the most widely celebrated name days in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Across Crete, anyone named Konstantinos, Kostas, Elena, Eleni, or related variants is celebrating. Expect festive gatherings at homes, tavernas, and village squares throughout the island. Some churches dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen will hold morning liturgies and may be open to respectful visitors. Local businesses owned by people with these names may close for part of the day. If you are invited to a name day celebration by a local, it is customary to say "Chronia Polla" (many years) and small gifts or flowers are welcome. This is a good opportunity to experience authentic Greek social traditions in an informal, welcoming setting.