Cretan Costumes
UP TO THE PRESENT DAY, THE FAMOUS CRETAN COSTUME IS STILL WORN IN SOME VILLAGES AS MEN’S EVERYDAY WEAR.
It is also worn by men and women on the occasion of traditional celebrations. The arts of weaving and embroidering are combined in the costumes. A specialised tailor sews the men’s costume, which first appeared during the 16th century and includes the so-called “sariki”, a crocheted black scarf, which is wrapped around the head and the “stivania”, the boots that complete the costume. The formal costume was richly embroidered in dark blue or black colours and always included a silver knife and a scarf.
The women’s traditional costume was introduced during the last 25 years of the 16th century. It appeared in two variations, the “Sfakiani”, i.e. the costume worn in the area of Sfakia, which later became the official costume of the entire island, and the “Anogiani”, which was designed later, approximately in the middle of the 17th century and was mainly worn in the area of Anogia in the province of Mylopotamos.
