Crete Locals

Ano Viannos olive festival draws large crowds in its third year

· By CreteLocals Editorial Team
Ano Viannos olive festival draws large crowds in its third year

The third Olive and Olive Oil Festival in Ano Viannos concluded on August 15, drawing large numbers of visitors and exhibitors over its two-day run. Exhibitors set up stalls along the town’s main street to present their products, and the event closed with a “Cretan Night” on the grounds of the Viannos Junior and Senior High School.

The festival, organized by the Ano Viannos Cultural Association with support from the Municipality of Viannos, has become an annual tradition in the area. Organizers said it aims to bring local olive oil producers closer to visitors. During the two days, attendees could sample extra virgin olive oil, taste local products and traditional recipes, enjoy music, and meet producers at a local product exhibition.

Mayor calls for support for producers

Mayor of Viannos Pavlos Baritakis thanked the organizers, volunteers, exhibitors and visitors in his address, saying olive oil and olives are closely tied to the history, culture and economy of Viannos.

“We support this event, and the local product, as a municipal authority, because it is a ‘golden’ product with excellent quality characteristics and rich nutritional value. Unfortunately, it has today been left to fend for itself, and as a result producers cannot cover their costs,” Baritakis said, according to the report. He added that production costs have risen sharply and said state and European Union measures are needed to protect growers, noting that olive oil is under pressure from imports from third countries. He said this year’s production appears to be developing normally, but questioned whether producers will be able to sell their oil at prices that cover their costs.

Baritakis said cooperation between the cultural association’s board and the municipal authority would continue, with the aim of making next year’s festival even better.

Other speakers and attendees

Charis Gournezakis, president of the Agricultural Cooperative Organization of Olive Producers of the Municipality of Viannos, also addressed the event. Agronomist and IT specialist Christos Stratakis gave the main address on olive oil, focusing on the product’s quality, problems facing the sector, and the need to support the primary production industry.

Attendees included Yiannis Papadomarkakis, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, who is originally from Viannos; Giorgos Kartsakis, regional councillor responsible for road safety; Manolis Kondylakis, president of the municipal council; deputy mayors Charalambos Kondylakis and Theodoros Kartsakis; municipal councillor Manolis Agapoulakis; and Manolis Brintakis, president of the Viannos municipal community. Eva Papadaki presented the event, and local priests conducted a blessing ceremony.

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