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From the antiquity until today music is a huge part of the Cretans’ life.  Τ he creation of “mandinades” (lyrics which are sung accompanied with the cretan lyre) is the most characteristic form of the local songs. Mandinades usually describe scenes of the daily life or express emotions, such as love, joy, admiration, hope etc. Among the most common form of the Cretan songs are the so-called “Rizitica”, (from the root) which have been named after the roots of the mountains. The tradition of the “Rizitica” songs is long and covers many areas of Cretan expression, such as songs of the “tavla” (table) which are sung during rhe meal, of the “strata” (walking), which are sung during a stroll, while there are others also sung in weddings, festivals and christenings, or celebrations. Their themes are heroic situations, revolutions against the conquerors of the island, foreign lands, love, etc., while many times they are allegorical. Their music is slow and serious, con...

The sound of each musical instrument is distinct. In any case, it soothes the soul and the spirit, giving pleasure and good mood. Τ he melody of the Cretan lyre, is unique and known all around the world.  Whenever an artist of the Cretan music catches the bow, the tradition of Crete, directly interwoven with the Cretan lyre, "wakes up" and becomes dance and song. The Cretan’s lyre history is lost in the depths of the years, as always it was accompanying, and still does, the inhabitants of the island, in both, their joys and sorrows. The Cretan lyre is believed that has been brought to Crete, by the Arabs, who remained as conquerors on the island, from 823-961 AD. According to another version, the existence of the lyre in Crete, is coming from Constantinople, by the army of Nikiphoros Phokas, in the years 1101-1200 AD. As the history has shown, there is no evidence of using another name, for this particular musical instrument. The lyre in its first ...