Time is running out to register for the 44th National Cretan Federation Convention, with registrations officially closing on 1 December 2025.
Hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales, the five-day gathering will take place from 2 to 6 January 2026, under the auspices of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand.
The convention will bring together hundreds of participants of Greek and Cretan heritage from across Australia and New Zealand, spanning families, community organisations and the wider Oceania diaspora.
The official program features five days of celebrations showcasing culture, tradition and community connection. Attendees will enjoy an unforgettable harbour cruise across Sydney’s famed waterways, key federation meetings, youth-led events and sporting activities, traditional church services, and multiple dinners and evening celebrations designed to unite generations in the spirit of Crete.
The closing farewell dinner spotlights young Cretan musicians travelling from around Australia in a symbolic moment that underscores the future of Hellenism and Cretan cultural continuity in the region.
The convention will also feature live performances by celebrated Cretan instrumentalists visiting from Crete, including Mihalis Charkiolakis on mandolino and askoumandoura, Giorgos Koudoumougiannakis on lyra, and Vaggelis Bagourakis on lute.
Traditional Cretan dance groups representing local and interstate associations will attend, perform and lead cultural showcases throughout the week.
With some event tickets already close to capacity, attendees are urged to register and secure their bookings before the deadline to avoid disappointment.
Hotel details, as well as event booking details, can be found at the following link: www.cretannsw.com.au/cretanconvention2026.
