The 44th National Cretan Convention, under the auspices of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand, will be hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales from Friday, 2 January to Tuesday, 6 January 2026, in Sydney. The event will welcome participants of Greek backgrounds from across Australia and New Zealand, uniting communities to celebrate the rich culture, traditions, music, and dance of Crete.
The Pancretan Association of Melbourne, a member of the Federation since 1980, is providing a five-star coach service, departing from the Cretan Village in Wantirna South.
The official program, released by the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales, promises five days of rich cultural experiences. Attendees will enjoy a Harbour Cruise, the Annual General Meeting, a Convention Dinner Dance, a Church Service hosted by the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia, Makarios, and a series of youth-focused events, including the Youth Annual General Meeting and a Youth Party Night. The convention will also feature a casual dinner, a Youth Sports Day, and a Farewell BBQ Glendi, showcasing the talents of Cretan-Australian musicians from across Oceania.
Music and dance will play a central role throughout the convention, with live performances from Mihalis Charkiolakis on mandolino and askoumandoura, Giorgos Koudoumougiannakis on lyra, and Vaggelis Bagourakis on lute, all specially invited from Crete. Traditional Cretan dance groups from associations around Australia will also take to the stage, sharing their artistry and passion with attendees.
The 44th National Cretan Convention promises to be a memorable gathering of heritage, community, and celebration, bringing together generations of Cretans and Greek Australians to honour their shared roots and vibrant traditions in the heart of Sydney.
