On the weekend of 17 and 18 October 2026, the village of Ritini celebrates for the first time its liberation in 1912 by the Heroic Battalion of Cretan Volunteers, known as the Kolokotronis Battalion. Two days of history, dance and the 1st Memorial Run along the path the Heroes walked.
Programme
Saturday 17 October
- 18:00, Ritini Cultural Centre “Pierides Mouses”
- Talks on the journey of the Kolokotronis Battalion and the sacrifice of the Cretan Volunteers, with contributions from the Heroes’ descendants
- Opening of an exhibition of documents from the Battalion’s campaign in Pieria and Macedonia, 1912–1913
Sunday 18 October
- 10:00, celebration of the liberation of Ritini (16 October 1912) by the Heroic Battalion of Cretan Volunteers
- Unveiling of the square’s new name and of the Monument of Honour and Remembrance to the Liberators
- Traditional dances by Cretan and Pierian cultural associations
Running the path the Heroes walked
On Sunday the 1st Run of Honour and Remembrance takes place, dedicated to the Heroes who liberated Ritini and the villages of the Pierian Mountains. The route follows the path the Cretan Volunteers, led by G. Kolokotronis, walked from Kato Milia to Ritini.
| Date | Sunday 18 October 2026 |
| Start | 10:45, Kato Milia |
| Finish | Ritini |
| Distance | 10 km |
| Registration | +30 697 729 7221 or +30 697 605 6601 |
The organisers
Organised by X.A.O.S. 2002 Ritini, under the auspices of the Holy Metropolis of Kitros, Katerini and Platamonas, with the participation of the Region of Crete, the Regional Unit of Chania, the Municipality of Rethymno and the War Museum – Rethymno Branch. The aim is to establish one more great celebration in the village and put Ritini on the historical map of Pieria and Greece.
Ritini, your host’s village
Ilias, the host of Elation Rooms, grew up in Ritini and will be there on both days. He will be photographing the whole event, and you will be able to see the photos here afterwards. Just outside the village stands the Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios, Ritini, well worth a visit.
Stay in Elatochori, 5 km from Ritini
If you are travelling for the events or the run, Elation Rooms is in Elatochori, just 5 km from Ritini. Warm rooms with mountain views, keyless entry, and pets welcome free of charge. See how to get here and our rooms.
